In a heartbreaking development for all the cricket fans across the world, the fifth and final Test match of the India vs. England series will not happen. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news with a tweet from their official Twitter account. The statement from the ECB reads as follows:
“Following ongoing conversations with the BCCI, the ECB can confirm that the fifth LV= Insurance Test at Emirates Old Trafford, due to start today, will be cancelled.”
Many fans would remember that the ICC World Test Championship series between India and England began with a Test match at Trent Bridge. The Indian cricket team dominated that Test, but it ended in a draw because rain did not allow any action on the final day. The second Test match happened at the iconic Lord’s cricket, where the Indian cricket team emerged victorious. The tour then moved to Headingley in Leeds, where the England cricket team avenged the defeat they suffered at Lord’s. But India took an unassailable lead of 2-1 in the series by winning the fourth Test match.
The fifth and the final Test of this India vs. England series was scheduled to begin from today onwards at Old Trafford in Manchester. Many fans were excited to enjoy the final Test of this great series. Unfortunately, just a few hours before the match, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) posted a message that there will be no action in Manchester.
Positive COVID tests led to cancelation of India vs. England 5th Test
When the fourth Test was underway, Indian coaches Ravi Shastri, Bharat Arun and Sridhar tested positive for COVID. They did not travel to Manchester, but before the final Test, there was one more support staff member who tested positive. India’s practice session got canceled. All players returned negative but the fifth Test did not go ahead as scheduled.
