NEW DELHI: Premier India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin rejoined the Indian team after the Tea break on the fourth day of the third Test in Rajkot.
Ashwin earlier missed the entire third day's play due to family emergency and had left the city soon after second day's proceedings ended.
Ashwin was forced to leave for Chennai to attend to his ailing mother, hours after reaching the coveted milestone of 500 Test wickets on the second day of the match.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the return of Ravichandran Ashwin to the squad after a brief absence due to a family emergency. Ashwin had to temporarily withdraw from the squad after Day 2 of the 3rd Test in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency," BCCI said in a statement.
1/10:'Jaisball' Rising: Records Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed in unbeaten double hundred
Getty Images
2/10:Yashasvi Jaiswal
<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 214 as India declared their second innings on 430/4 to set England a daunting victory target of 557 on Day 4 of the third Test. </p>Getty Images
3/10:172-run stand
<p>Jaiswal, who retired hurt on 104 on Day 3, returned to bat in Rajkot and took the attack to the opposition in an unbeaten 172-run stand with debutant Sarfaraz Khan (68*). </p>AFP
4/10:3 successive sixes
<p>Jaiswal smashed pace bowler James Anderson for three successive hits over the fence -- a first for the England veteran in his 185 Tests over 21 years. </p>Getty Images
5/10:Jaiswal and Gill
<p>Jaiswal, who struggled with his back after his third Test ton on Saturday, put on 159 runs with overnight batsman Shubman Gill (91). </p>AP
6/10:12 sixes
<p>Jaiswal equalled the record of Wasim Akram of hitting the most sixes in a Test innings by smashing 12 maximums. </p>Getty Images
7/10:7th Indian
<p>Jaiswal became the 7th Indian to hit a double hundred in second innings after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Dilip Sardesai, Sunil Gavaskar (twice), VVS Laxman and Wasim Jaffer.</p>Getty Images
8/10:Successive double tons
<p>Jaiswal became the third Indian to hit double hundreds in successive Tests after Vinod Kambli and Virat Kohli.</p>Getty Images
9/10:2 double tons vs England
<p>Jaiswal became the first Indian to score two double hundreds against England in Tests.</p>Getty Images
10/10:Vizag to Rajkot
<p>Jaiswal's first double ton against England came in the second Test match in Visakhapatnam and the second double hundred came in Rajkot. </p>Getty Images"Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on Day 4 and will continue to contribute towards the team's cause in the ongoing Test match," the statement added.
BCCI also lauded every stakeholder for showing empathy during a critical phase for the star cricketer.
"The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority. The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field.
"Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times."
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik had hinted about Ashwin's imminent return on-air while commentating for the host broadcaster before the start of the proceedings on day four.
Ashwin will be available to bowl as soon as he is needed despite having spent an entire day off the field.
(With inputs from PTI)
