England Board Calls Off Fifth Test Match Against India Over COVID Concern

London: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday cancelled the fifth and final Test match between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester due to COVID-19 fears in the Indian squad.

ECB confirmed the news in a tweet. “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,” it tweeted.

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.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 10, 2021

“We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many. Further information will be shared in due course.” The board added.

Earlier, there was confusion after ECB said India have forfeited the game. However, the line was taken down later. Instead, the ECB said, “India are regrettably unable to field a team”.

Notably, India’s head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive during India’s fourth Test victory at The Oval and has since been isolating with bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar and physiotherapist Nitin Patel.