Ind vs Eng 3rd Test: Can Ravichandran Ashwin’s substitute bowl and bat? Know what rule says..

Team India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn amid the ongoing third Test match against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadiumin Rajkot due to a family emergency. As a result, hosts India are facing significant challenge in the bowling department against the visitors.

BCCI has confirmed about Ashwin’s withdrawal from the match. The board also extended its full support to Ashwin during these challenging times. However, specific details of the medical emergency were not disclosed and privacy for Ashwin and his family was requested.

As per MCC’s rule No. 24.1.1.2, a team can have a substitute fielder for a ‘wholly acceptable reason’. A substitute cannot bowl or act as a captain but the player can be a wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires.

Unless there is an agreement from Ben Stokes, the England team, and their management, especially for a like-to-like replacement under exceptional circumstances, India cannot substitute Ashwin. The process involves a formal request from the BCCI to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), followed by discussions with England’s team management, and final approval from the match referee.

In absence of Ashwin, concerns have been raised about India’s ability to counter England’s batting lineup effectively.