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'R Ashwin Can Comeback Anytime And Bowl In Rajkot Test' - Dinesh Karthik Confirms

image-lsppazyyR Ashwin (AP Photos)

An evening after achieving a colossal milestone of 500 Test wickets for India, Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave Rajkot ahead of Day 3 of the third Test due to a "family emergency". 

The BCCI confirmed the news ahead of play on Saturday (February 17) morning as Ashwin withdrew from the third Test against England and departed home to be present at home for the turn of events.

Ashwin's absence hurt India's chances of clawing their way back in the contest after England raced along to 207/2 in just 35 overs by stumps on Day 2 in response to India's daunting 445 all out. 

Karthik Confirms Ashwin Can Comeback In Rajkot Test 

While BCCI's media statement on Ashwin's absence indicated he could be ruled out for the remainder of the Rajkot Test, former India player and commentator Dinesh Karthik confirmed the match officials have offered the great off-spinner a rare reprieve. 

Usually, when a player is out of the field for a specific period of time, he is required to spend the same duration away even when he is available to return as per the ICC match regulations. 

However, in a rare allowance, Karthik confirmed the match officials have told the Indian team management that Ashwin can bowl "anytime" if he comes back for the Test match, an unlikely scenario at this stage. 

"Ravi Ashwin can come anytime during this Test Match and bowl straightaway. The umpires have given Ashwin that favor," Karthik said during the pre-lunch session on Day 2 even as Ashwin departed home to Chennai to be with his family. 

On their part, the BCCI said they continue to support Ashwin over his decision to immediately attend to his family concerns and urged the media and the fans to respect his privacy.