The highly anticipated 5th test of the IND vs ENG 5-match series has been cancelled. This happened in the wake of a fresh Covid-19 case in the Indian contingent. Team India’s assistant physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar has tested positive on Thursday. During the 4th test, head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar had tested positive. Despite the coaches testing positive and therefore being in isolation, team India played the 4th test. But due to a new case in the team, the players have have shown reluctance in playing the final test. Most likely, the IND vs ENG 5th test will now be scheduled to a new date.
New dates for the cancelled IND vs ENG 5th Test
BCCI and ECB have jointly decided to cancel the Old Trafford test between India and England. But to maintain the strong relations between both the boards, the BCCI offered to reschedule the 5th test, to which the ECB agreed. The most likely new dates for the 5th IND vs ENG test are as follows.
With the busy schedules of both the teams, there are very less chances of the final test happening any time soon. Moreover, with the second leg of IPL and the T20 World Cup scheduled over the next three months, the 5th IND vs ENG test will have to be pushed to next year.
India will be touring England for a white ball tour next year in July. A total of six matches (3 T20Is & 3 ODIs) are to played from the 1st to 14th July. It will be most likely this time of next year when the 5th IND vs ENG test would be scheduled. The Boards have already agreed on the terms to re-schedule the match in a suitable window to both the teams.
Where does the Series stand?
India currently leads 2-1 in the series. Though the 5th has been cancelled, India is not declared the winner as there’s a chance of the test being played next year.
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The BCCI has thanked the ECB for their co-operation and understanding. The Board also apologized to the fans for not being able to complete such a captivating series.