ENG vs IND: Manchester Test called off due to COVID-19 scare


ENG vs IND: Manchester Test called off due to COVID-19 scare

Virat Kohli

The news coming from Manchester is not good at all as the final Test between England and India has been cancelled due to the chances of more coronavirus cases in the visitors’ camp. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) took this decision of cancellation on mutual grounds. 

The ECB issued an official statement: “Following ongoing conversations with the BCCI, the ECB can confirm that the fifth LV= Insurance Test between England and India Men due to start today at Emirates Old Trafford, will be cancelled. 

“Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team. 

“We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.”

COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian contingent

India vs England 2nd Test
Indian Cricket team

Team India was stuck massively with several coronavirus cases reported in their dugout in the UK. The Virat Kohli-led side’s journey in England began on similar lines when wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the five-match series. A few other members of the visitors’ camp were also isolated’ owing to close contact protocols.

Adding to this, head coach Ravi Shastri also tested positive for this widespread disease during the fourth Test match at The Oval. Following this, bowling coach Bharath Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar and physiotherapist Nitin Patel were also isolated for being close contacts to Shastri. Recently, India’s assistant physio Yogesh Parmar had also shown positive results for COVID-19 and hence, the pre-match press conference, as well as optional practice session, was called off as the players continued to isolate themselves in their respective hotel rooms.

Several reports even suggest that the coronavirus scare isn’t over yet as more positive cases might come out because the players’ latest RT-PCR tests’ results are still awaited.

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