India vs England Test match cancelled over Covid-19 fears

Emirates Old Trafford

The fifth Test between England and India has been cancelled over Covid-19 fears.

The LV= Insurance Test between England and India due to start today at Emirates Old Trafford, will no longer take place after the tourists refused to play on the grounds of Covid safety.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news.

“We know it will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.”

The ECB statement initially said that India, who led the series 2-1, had forfeited the final Test and the series was drawn 2-2.

The statement has since been amended to say: “India are regrettably unable to field a team.”

Despite the entire India squad returning negative PCR Tests on Thursday, it is understood some players have expressed reservations this week about playing in the final Test after an outbreak among their backroom staff.

Head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive during India’s fourth Test win, forcing bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar and physiotherapist Nitin Pate to isolate.

Another member of the backroom staff tested positive on Thursday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board hoped they would be able to postpone the match, with a view to potentially starting on Sunday.

However after intense negotiations between the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket India, the decision was taken to cancel the match.

The final result is unclear.

LCCC CEO Daniel Gidney said: “As a Club, we are absolutely devastated about the late cancellation of the Test at Emirates Old Trafford. full refund will be issued, but we appreciate for many supporters, attending this Test match is more than just the monetary worth.

“After the last 18 months we’ve all experienced through the pandemic, it’s a fixture cricket fans in the North West have looked forward to for the best part of 18 months.

“You can’t underestimate the work that goes into preparing for a five-day Test Match and I’d like to thank all our supporters, guests, suppliers, partners and all those involved for their continued support. I’d also like to thank all of the amazing staff who work at Emirates Old Trafford who have worked tirelessly to prepare the ground for the Test. We have an incredibly loyal and talented group of people who have worked very long hours in the run up to this game.

“We are working closely with the England and Wales Cricket Board on next steps and the finer detail that will follow as a consequence of this cancellation. In due course, the Club will contact ticket and hospitality holders.

“The Club would like to once again express it’s sincere apologies for all inconvenience and disruption caused to all involved.”

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