India v England: Ravichandran Ashwin withdraws from third Test with immediate effect due to family emergency

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the third Test against England because of a family emergency.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the news following the close of play on day two, after Ashwin became just the ninth bowler to claim 500 Test wickets.

"In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the team fully supports Ashwin," wrote Jay Shah, honorary president of the BCCI.

"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."

Ashwin removed England opener Zak Crawley on Friday to reach 500 wickets in the red-ball game, becoming just the second Indian to achieve the feat.

The 37-year-old also scored 37 runs as India were bowled all out for 445 in their first innings.

England responded well on the second day of action in Rajkot. Led by Ben Duckett’s unbeaten 133, the visitors closed on 207-2 to leave the Test finely poised, with the series level at 1-1.

India are already without star batter Virat Kohli, who will miss the remainder of the series due to "personal reasons".

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