The fifth and final Test between England and India, which was scheduled to begin at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday, had been cancelled, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced.
The first statement of ECB stated that the Indian team were “unable to field a team and will instead forfeit the match”. But soon after the website statement was updated to: “Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team.” The mention of forfeiture was removed.
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. Further information will be shared in due course” ECB stated.
There is no official word from BCCI yet. Former England captain Nasser Hussain, speaking on Sky Cricket, said that the situation is a mess. He added that there was no clarity over forfeiture either.