fifth Test Cancelled, "India Unable To Field Team" Due To Covid: England Board

The fifth Test match among India and England, planned to start today, has been dropped, the England and Wales Cricket Board reported on Friday. There was vulnerability with respect to the fifth and last Test match after one more individual from Team India's care staff tried positive for Covid on Thursday. Yet, all Indian players had returned negative RT-PCR results on Thursday and it was normal that the match will be held according to the timetable however it wasn't to be. The ECB said that India "couldn't handle a group" because of Covid cases in the opposing group's camp.

"Following continuous discussions with the BCCI, the ECB can affirm that the fifth LV= Insurance Test among England and India Men because of start today at Emirates Old Trafford, will be dropped," ECB said in a media explanation.

"Because of fears of a further expansion in the quantity of COVID cases inside the camp, India are lamentably incapable to handle a group," the assertion further read.

India were driving the five-match series 2-1 after a pounding triumph at The Oval where the guests dominated the game by 157 runs.

India experienced a mishap during the fourth Test when three individuals from their care staff including lead trainer Ravi Shastri had tried positive for Covid. Aside from Shastri, bowling trainer Bharat Arun and handling mentor R Sridhar had gotten the infection.

Just before the fifth Test, a part allegedly tried positive after which the choice to drop the match must be taken by the two groups.