The second Test between England and India has been called off after a series of wet weather delays. What happens now?
The england v india 5th test 2021 is the fifth Test match in the series between England and India. It was scheduled to be played at Old Trafford, Manchester on 7 August but has been cancelled due to rain.
England’s last Test before the Ashes series in Australia begins in December was the fifth.
What a waste of time.
The postponement of the fifth Test between England and India denies a proper conclusion to a tense series, brings the men’s international season to a close with a whimper, and, most significantly, deprives the paying public.
Even though the tone between England and India is one of diplomacy, the repercussions from the non-event at Emirates Old Trafford has started.
Some of the questions may be addressed right away, while others will take some time to resolve.
What went wrong?
During India’s fourth-Test victory last week, head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive for Covid-19, prompting three other staff members to isolate.
India canceled training on Thursday after another member of the backroom staff, a physio, tested positive.
Despite the fact that all players tested negative and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said that the Test would go ahead, talks that lasted all night Thursday led to the match being called off two hours before it was scheduled to start at 11:00 BST on Friday.
The ECB originally said that India had forfeited the match, but then changed its mind. It’s unclear where this leaves the series, which India leads 2-1.
For the first four days, almost 80,000 tickets were sold in advance, with customers receiving a full refund.
Many, on the other hand, will have taken time off work, arranged flights and lodging, and been looking forward to the sight of a series-deciding final Test. The sadness, annoyance, and fury will not be alleviated by a refunded ticket.
The cancellation of this match would leave a sour taste in the mouths of cricket fans across the globe, as well as potentially significant financial consequences for the ECB, Old Trafford, broadcasters, and sponsors.
Is it true that calling it off was the best decision?
Depending on who you ask.
There are a few things to remember as well. In addition to the fact that no India players have tested positive for Covid, the team is traveling with a larger squad – 21 players – to cope with the problem.
They have, however, been on the road since June. While the limitations on players have been less severe than in previous seasons, they still do not have the same degree of freedom as the general public.
England was in a similar predicament. Their one-day series in South Africa was postponed in December, partially to safeguard the players’ mental health after it was suspected that Covid had infiltrated the squad, even though two positive tests later turned out to be false.
On Friday, ECB chief executive Tom Harrison told Test Match Special, “You can’t be flippant or light-hearted about problems of mental health.”
“When Covid infiltrates an area, it has the ability to accelerate rapidly. That’s something we’ve seen before.”
The bulk of India’s players are traveling with their families, raising the possibility of coronavirus spreading to partners or children.
“The majority of them are here with their families,” said Deep Dasgupta, a former India wicketkeeper. For them, this is one of the most pressing issues. “What if both parents tested positive?” you may wonder.
Nonetheless, former England captain Michael Vaughan said that India, like England, had an obligation to fulfill the match in South Africa.
“I thought England had let South Africa down at the moment,” Vaughan remarked. “Back then, England displayed its muscles, and I think India has done the same.
“I really believe Indian cricket has failed the English game.”
So, what’s next?
Probably not much in the near run.
The Indian players, as well as certain English players, will depart for the Indian Premier League (IPL), which begins on September 19th (more on this later).
The main concern is how the Test series will be decided. Because a forfeiture would give England the match, a share of the series, and World Test Championship points, the ECB immediately withdrew their claim that India had forfeited the match.
The specifics of how and why the match was canceled will have financial consequences for the ECB in terms of insurance.
“The outcome of the match may seem inconsequential, but it must be settled because millions of pounds in compensation are at stake,” remarked cricket reporter Jonathan Agnew.
The problem of the outcome is “not one for today,” according to Harrison, and it will be decided by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The BCCI has offered to reschedule the match, although it is more probable that it would be a solo Test rather than the fifth match in the series.
India is scheduled to return to the United Kingdom next summer for three Twenty20 and three one-day internationals.
However, since the remainder of England’s calendar is already full, it may be necessary to reschedule additional games or have separate red-ball and white-ball teams play at the same time.
After the match was canceled, fans were left to amuse themselves.
Isn’t it all about the Indian Premier League?
The thorn in the flesh.
The IPL was postponed in May owing to an increase in coronavirus infections in India, but it will continue next weekend in the United Arab Emirates.
Would the fifth Test have been postponed if it hadn’t been the case? It’s also worth mentioning that the BCCI officially requestedexternal-link that the series’ timetable be adjusted to suit the IPL, but there’s no evidence that this is connected to the finale’s cancellation.
Not just for the players and the BCCI, but also for the worldwide game, the IPL is a cash monster.
“The BCCI would have been terrified,” Vaughan added, “that the players wouldn’t be able to come over and play in the IPL.”
“Players will be terrified of contracting the virus and missing IPL games.”
“It’s all about the money from the IPL. The ECB does not want to have a disagreement with the BCCI. They are a force to be reckoned with.”
Harrison, on the other hand, called any comparison between the IPL and the canceled Test “unfair.”
“This is not a scenario that the postponed IPL has reproduced,” he added. “For the life of me, I don’t believe that for a second.”
What about the Ashes, for example?
Yes, indeed. The upcoming Test series for England is also clouded by Covid-related concerns.
Some England players have stated that if their families are unable to accompany them to Australia, they may withdraw from the trip.
Captain Joe Root stated on Wednesday that a lack of knowledge makes planning “extremely tough.”
Australia has among of the world’s toughest Covid-19 guidelines. The five Tests scheduled for December and January will be held in five states, each with its own set of regulations, adding to the complexity.
The series is unlikely to be postponed, but it is still unknown which England squad will complete the trip.
“Let’s hope we can agree on everything and send our finest squad to Australia,” Harrison added.
“Let’s have a wonderful time over there and bring the Ashes back with us.”
The England cricket fixtures is a news article that talks about the England v India Test match, which was cancelled due to rain. What happens now? Reference: england cricket fixtures.
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