<p>Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing Rajkot Test against England owing to personal reasons on late Friday (Feb 16) evening. Ashwin, after becoming the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to scalp&nbsp;500 Test wickets has cited personal reasons for the withdrawal. The same was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through a release later on Friday evening.</p>

<h2><strong>Ashwin withdraws from Rajkot Test</strong></h2>

<p>"Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency," the BCCI stated in a media release on Friday (February 16).</p>

<p>"In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully support Ashwin," it added.</p>

<p>"The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.</p>

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<p>"The Board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period," the release further said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-skips-latest-ranji-trophy-final-round-despite-bccis-directive-690906">Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive</a></p>

<p>Ashwin, who had a monumental day on Friday having scalped 500 wickets will immediately depart for his hometown from Rajkot. Already an emotional day for the player, the BCCI refused to comment further and extended its support to Ashwin.</p>

<h2><strong>What will happen with Team India’s playing combination?</strong></h2>

<p>As things stand, India will have to complete the rest of the Rajkot Test with only 10 players as the International Cricket Council (ICC) only allows permanent substitution on the grounds of concussion. This means India won't be able to call on a substitute and will have a player less for the remaining three days of the match.</p>

<p>In the process, India will be short of an experienced spinner while also missing out on valuable runs with the bat from the all-rounder.</p>

<p>Having bowled out India for 445 on Day 2, England made a good start to their innings as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched a partnership of 89 runs for the opening wicket. After Crawley’s wicket, Duckett continued his impressive run and scored the fastest hundred against India in&nbsp;Tests. The batter’s third Test hundred&nbsp;helped England maintain the pace as they showcased the Bazball style of cricket on Indian pitches. At Stumps England were 207/2 with Duckett unbeaten on 133 while Joe Root is batting on 9.</p>


Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing Rajkot Test against England owing to personal reasons on late Friday (Feb 16) evening. Ashwin, after becoming the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to scalp 500 Test wickets has cited personal reasons for the withdrawal.

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing Rajkot Test against England owing to personal reasons on late Friday (Feb 16) evening. Ashwin, after becoming the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to scalp 500 Test wickets has cited personal reasons for the withdrawal. The same was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through a release later on Friday evening. Ashwin withdraws from Rajkot Test "Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency," the BCCI stated in a media release on Friday (February 16). "In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully support Ashwin," it added. "The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time. × "The Board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period," the release further said. ALSO READ | Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive Ashwin, who had a monumental day on Friday having scalped 500 wickets will immediately depart for his hometown from Rajkot. Already an emotional day for the player, the BCCI refused to comment further and extended its support to Ashwin. What will happen with Team India’s playing combination? As things stand, India will have to complete the rest of the Rajkot Test with only 10 players as the International Cricket Council (ICC) only allows permanent substitution on the grounds of concussion. This means India won't be able to call on a substitute and will have a player less for the remaining three days of the match. In the process, India will be short of an experienced spinner while also missing out on valuable runs with the bat from the all-rounder. Having bowled out India for 445 on Day 2, England made a good start to their innings as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched a partnership of 89 runs for the opening wicket. After Crawley’s wicket, Duckett continued his impressive run and scored the fastest hundred against India in Tests. The batter’s third Test hundred helped England maintain the pace as they showcased the Bazball style of cricket on Indian pitches. At Stumps England were 207/2 with Duckett unbeaten on 133 while Joe Root is batting on 9.

IND vs ENG: Ravichandran Ashwin withdraws from ongoing Rajkot Test owing to personal reason

<p>It was a monumental day for India’s Ravichandran Ashwin after the veteran spinner scalped his 500th Test wicket against England on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test on Friday (Feb 16). Ashwin, playing in his 98th Test match achieved the feat when he got the better of Zak Crawley in the 14th over and became just the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to reach the 500-wicket mark. Kumble would later praise the Indian star when he shared his thoughts while on broadcast duties.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝗠𝘁. 𝟱𝟬𝟬! 🫡 🫡<br />
<br />
Only the second <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> cricketer to reach this landmark in Tests 🙌 🙌<br />
<br />
Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/bP8wUs6rd0">pic.twitter.com/bP8wUs6rd0</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1758426686431928778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Kumble full of praise</strong></h2>

<p>"Ash! Congratulations. Very proud of you, for your 500 and many more. 620, 625, 700. Okay, that's where you need to finish, you know, do not think anywhere below that," Kumble said while speaking to the broadcaster.</p>

<p>"I think an outstanding, outstanding achievement started 13 years ago, 2011-12 against the West Indies. And then from there on, in the first Test itself, he picked up that fifer. It's not easy to live up to those expectations right throughout. 98 matches and 500, outstanding. I think in terms of the strike rate is less than 52 wickets, which is like that of a fast bowler," Kumble added.</p>

<h2><strong>England off to good start</strong></h2>

<p>Having bowled out India for 445 on Day 2, England made a good start to their innings as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched a partnership of 89 runs for the opening wicket. After Crawley’s wicket, Duckett continued his impressive run and scored the fastest hundred against India in the Test. It is the batter’s third Test hundred and helped England maintain the pace as they showcased the Bazball style of cricket on Indian pitches. At Stumps England were 207/2 with Duckett unbeaten on 133 while Joe Root is batting on 9.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-skips-latest-ranji-trophy-final-round-despite-bccis-directive-690906">Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive</a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened in India’s innings?</strong></h2>

<p>While Ashwin was writing his name in the history books, India started Day 2 at 326/5 as Ravindra Jadeja was the first wicket to fall. The veteran all-rounder scored 112 before getting out in the opening session. Dhruv Jurel, on debut, scored 46 and was given a helping hand from Ashwin with the bat which led India to a score of 400 plus.</p>

<p>Mark Wood ended with four wickets while Rehan Ahmed ended with figures of 85/2. There were wickets a piece for Anderson, Tom Hartley and Joe Root, with the latter getting the wicket of Jadeja.</p>


It was a monumental day for India’s Ravichandran Ashwin after the veteran spinner scalped his 500th Test wicket against England on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test on Friday (Feb 16).

It was a monumental day for India’s Ravichandran Ashwin after the veteran spinner scalped his 500th Test wicket against England on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test on Friday (Feb 16). Ashwin, playing in his 98th Test match achieved the feat when he got the better of Zak Crawley in the 14th over and became just the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to reach the 500-wicket mark. Kumble would later praise the Indian star when he shared his thoughts while on broadcast duties. 𝗠𝘁. 𝟱𝟬𝟬! 🫡 🫡 Only the second #TeamIndia cricketer to reach this landmark in Tests 🙌 🙌 Congratulations, @ashwinravi99 👏 👏#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/bP8wUs6rd0 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024 × Kumble full of praise "Ash! Congratulations. Very proud of you, for your 500 and many more. 620, 625, 700. Okay, that's where you need to finish, you know, do not think anywhere below that," Kumble said while speaking to the broadcaster. "I think an outstanding, outstanding achievement started 13 years ago, 2011-12 against the West Indies. And then from there on, in the first Test itself, he picked up that fifer. It's not easy to live up to those expectations right throughout. 98 matches and 500, outstanding. I think in terms of the strike rate is less than 52 wickets, which is like that of a fast bowler," Kumble added. England off to good start Having bowled out India for 445 on Day 2, England made a good start to their innings as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched a partnership of 89 runs for the opening wicket. After Crawley’s wicket, Duckett continued his impressive run and scored the fastest hundred against India in the Test. It is the batter’s third Test hundred and helped England maintain the pace as they showcased the Bazball style of cricket on Indian pitches. At Stumps England were 207/2 with Duckett unbeaten on 133 while Joe Root is batting on 9. ALSO READ | Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive What happened in India’s innings? While Ashwin was writing his name in the history books, India started Day 2 at 326/5 as Ravindra Jadeja was the first wicket to fall. The veteran all-rounder scored 112 before getting out in the opening session. Dhruv Jurel, on debut, scored 46 and was given a helping hand from Ashwin with the bat which led India to a score of 400 plus. Mark Wood ended with four wickets while Rehan Ahmed ended with figures of 85/2. There were wickets a piece for Anderson, Tom Hartley and Joe Root, with the latter getting the wicket of Jadeja.

IND vs ENG: Anil Kumble full of praise for Ravi Ashwin joining 500-wicket club, says 'very proud of you'

<p>India’s Ravichandran Ashwin has joined the elite list of bowlers to scalp 500 wickets in Test format after achieving the feat on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test on Friday (Feb 16). Ashwin, playing in the 98th Test against England joined Anil Kumble as the only other bowler from India to reach the 500-wicket mark. The achievement also makes&nbsp;him the ninth bowler to achieve this&nbsp;feat and the third active player after Nathan Lyon (517) and James Anderson (696) to break into the record list.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝗠𝘁. 𝟱𝟬𝟬! 🫡 🫡<br />
<br />
Only the second <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> cricketer to reach this landmark in Tests 🙌 🙌<br />
<br />
Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/bP8wUs6rd0">pic.twitter.com/bP8wUs6rd0</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1758426686431928778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Ashwin joins 500-wicket club</strong></h2>

<p>Entering the third Test match with 499 Test wickets, Ashwin needed one more wicket to join the 500-wicket club. On the first ball of the 14th over, Ashwin’s delivery was misjudged by Zak Crawley who ended up handing a simple catch to Rajat Patidar, and giving the veteran&nbsp;spinner his&nbsp;500th Test wicket.</p>

<p>He now joins the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Anderson in the list of players to achieve this milestone.</p>

<h3><strong>Players with most wickets for India</strong></h3>

<p>Anil Kumble – 619 Wickets in 132 Matches</p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin – 500 Wickets in 98 Matches</p>

<p>Kapil Dev – 434 Wickets in 131 Matches</p>

<p>Harbhajan Singh – 417 Wickets in 103 Matches</p>

<p>Ishant Sharma – 311 Wickets in 105 Matches</p>

<p>Zaheer Khan – 311 Wickets in 92 Matches</p>

<p>Ashwin, 37, now in the twilight of his career will look to add more wickets to his tally with two good years still in hand considering his fitness.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-skips-latest-ranji-trophy-final-round-despite-bccis-directive-690906">Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive</a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened on Day 2?</strong></h2>

<p>While Ashwin was writing his name in the history books, India started Day 2 at 326/5 as Ravindra Jadeja was the first wicket to fall. The veteran all-rounder scored 112 before getting out in the opening session. Dhruv Jurel, on debut, scored 46 and was given a helping hand from Ashwin with the bat which led India to a score of 400 plus.</p>

<p>Mark Wood ended with four wickets while Rehan Ahmed bagged&nbsp;figures of 85/2. While&nbsp;Anderson, Tom Hartley and Joe Root, got a wicket each with&nbsp;Jadeja falling prey to the latter.</p>

<p>At the time of writing, England made a solid start to their first innings on Day 2 and were 192/2 in 30 overs as Ben Duckett scored the fastest Test hundred for England against India.&nbsp;</p>


India’s Ravichandran Ashwin has joined the elite list of bowlers to scalp 500 wickets in Test format after achieving the feat on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test on Friday (Feb 16).

India’s Ravichandran Ashwin has joined the elite list of bowlers to scalp 500 wickets in Test format after achieving the feat on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test on Friday (Feb 16). Ashwin, playing in the 98th Test against England joined Anil Kumble as the only other bowler from India to reach the 500-wicket mark. The achievement also makes him the ninth bowler to achieve this feat and the third active player after Nathan Lyon (517) and James Anderson (696) to break into the record list. 𝗠𝘁. 𝟱𝟬𝟬! 🫡 🫡 Only the second #TeamIndia cricketer to reach this landmark in Tests 🙌 🙌 Congratulations, @ashwinravi99 👏 👏#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/bP8wUs6rd0 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024 × Ashwin joins 500-wicket club Entering the third Test match with 499 Test wickets, Ashwin needed one more wicket to join the 500-wicket club. On the first ball of the 14th over, Ashwin’s delivery was misjudged by Zak Crawley who ended up handing a simple catch to Rajat Patidar, and giving the veteran spinner his 500th Test wicket. He now joins the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Anderson in the list of players to achieve this milestone. Players with most wickets for India Anil Kumble – 619 Wickets in 132 Matches Ravichandran Ashwin – 500 Wickets in 98 Matches Kapil Dev – 434 Wickets in 131 Matches Harbhajan Singh – 417 Wickets in 103 Matches Ishant Sharma – 311 Wickets in 105 Matches Zaheer Khan – 311 Wickets in 92 Matches Ashwin, 37, now in the twilight of his career will look to add more wickets to his tally with two good years still in hand considering his fitness. ALSO READ | Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive What happened on Day 2? While Ashwin was writing his name in the history books, India started Day 2 at 326/5 as Ravindra Jadeja was the first wicket to fall. The veteran all-rounder scored 112 before getting out in the opening session. Dhruv Jurel, on debut, scored 46 and was given a helping hand from Ashwin with the bat which led India to a score of 400 plus. Mark Wood ended with four wickets while Rehan Ahmed bagged figures of 85/2. While Anderson, Tom Hartley and Joe Root, got a wicket each with Jadeja falling prey to the latter. At the time of writing, England made a solid start to their first innings on Day 2 and were 192/2 in 30 overs as Ben Duckett scored the fastest Test hundred for England against India.

IND vs ENG: Ravi Ashwin enters 500-wicket club on Day 2 of Rajkot Test, joins Anil Kumble in elite list

<p>England gave&nbsp;a perfect response to India on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test with Ben Duckett scoring a quickfire hundred to counter the hosts. The day headlined by Ravichandran Ashwin’s 500th Test wicket saw England give a perfect response as they closed the day at 207/2 having initially bowled out India for 445. The visitors still trail India by 238 runs with Duckett unbeaten on 133. Both India and England will now look forward to Day 3 with the match reaching the decisive stage.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An assertive century from Ben Duckett ensured that England finished strong at the end of the second day's play.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> 📝: <a href="https://t.co/1EwxUFWYGn">https://t.co/1EwxUFWYGn</a> <a href="https://t.co/qA7Ouwprr0">pic.twitter.com/qA7Ouwprr0</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1758455773959500064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>England off to good start</strong></h2>

<p>Having bowled out India for 445 on Day 2, England made a good start to their innings as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched a partnership of 89 runs for the opening wicket. On the first ball of the 14th over, Ashwin’s delivery was misjudged by Crawley who&nbsp;ended up handing a simple catch to Rajat Patidar, in the process completing his 500 Test wickets. He joins the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Anderson in the list of players.</p>

<p>After the wicket, Duckett continued his impressive run and scored the fastest hundred against India in the Test. The batter’s third Test hundred&nbsp;helped England maintain the pace as they showcased the Bazball style of cricket on Indian pitches. At Stumps England were 207/2 with Duckett unbeaten on 133 while Joe Root is batting on 9.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ishan-kishan-skips-latest-ranji-trophy-final-round-despite-bccis-directive-690906">Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive</a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened in India’s innings?</strong></h2>

<p>While Ashwin was writing his name in the history books, India were earlier bowled out for 445 with Rohit Sharma scoring 131 while Ravindra Jadeja scored 112 before getting out in the opening session of Day 2. Dhruv Jurel, on debut, also scored 46 getting a helping hand from Ashwin with the bat which led India to a score of 400 plus. Batting overnight, India added 119 runs from their 326/5 scored at stumps from Day 1.</p>

<p>Mark Wood ended with four wickets while Rehan Ahmed ended with figures of 85/2. There were wickets a piece for Anderson, Tom Hartley and Joe Root, with the latter getting the wicket of Jadeja.</p>


England gave a perfect response to India on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test with Ben Duckett scoring a quickfire hundred to counter the hosts. The day headlined by Ravichandran Ashwin’s 500th Test wicket saw England give a perfect response as they closed the day at 207/2 having initially bowled out India for 445.

England gave a perfect response to India on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test with Ben Duckett scoring a quickfire hundred to counter the hosts. The day headlined by Ravichandran Ashwin’s 500th Test wicket saw England give a perfect response as they closed the day at 207/2 having initially bowled out India for 445. The visitors still trail India by 238 runs with Duckett unbeaten on 133. Both India and England will now look forward to Day 3 with the match reaching the decisive stage. An assertive century from Ben Duckett ensured that England finished strong at the end of the second day's play.#WTC25 | #INDvENG 📝: https://t.co/1EwxUFWYGn pic.twitter.com/qA7Ouwprr0 — ICC (@ICC) February 16, 2024 × England off to good start Having bowled out India for 445 on Day 2, England made a good start to their innings as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stitched a partnership of 89 runs for the opening wicket. On the first ball of the 14th over, Ashwin’s delivery was misjudged by Crawley who ended up handing a simple catch to Rajat Patidar, in the process completing his 500 Test wickets. He joins the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Anderson in the list of players. After the wicket, Duckett continued his impressive run and scored the fastest hundred against India in the Test. The batter’s third Test hundred helped England maintain the pace as they showcased the Bazball style of cricket on Indian pitches. At Stumps England were 207/2 with Duckett unbeaten on 133 while Joe Root is batting on 9. ALSO READ | Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive What happened in India’s innings? While Ashwin was writing his name in the history books, India were earlier bowled out for 445 with Rohit Sharma scoring 131 while Ravindra Jadeja scored 112 before getting out in the opening session of Day 2. Dhruv Jurel, on debut, also scored 46 getting a helping hand from Ashwin with the bat which led India to a score of 400 plus. Batting overnight, India added 119 runs from their 326/5 scored at stumps from Day 1. Mark Wood ended with four wickets while Rehan Ahmed ended with figures of 85/2. There were wickets a piece for Anderson, Tom Hartley and Joe Root, with the latter getting the wicket of Jadeja.

Rajkot Test Day 2: Ben Duckett slams ton after Ashwin's 500th Test scalp as match hangs in balance