Bhubaneswar, Feb. 17 -- Team India's veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn amid the ongoing third Test match against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadiumin Rajkot due to a family emergency.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 th...