On Tuesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced proposed dates and venues for the three-match Test series against the West Indies in July. The board wants the series to take place in front of empty stands but conceded that it is subject to the UK government clearance.
According to the schedule, the first Test at the Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton from July 8-12, with Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium hosting the second and the final Test from July 16-20 and July 24-28 respectively. Birmingham’s Edgbaston Cricket Ground has been selected as a contingency and training venue. However, the Windies will arrive in the UK on June 9 and will travel to travel to Old Trafford where they will train and remain in quarantine for the next three weeks.
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IN a statement regarding the same, the ECB said, “The West Indies squad will arrive in the UK on Tuesday 9 June, traveling to Emirates Old Trafford for quarantining and training. This will be their base for a three-week period before moving to the Ageas Bowl for the start of the first Test. A decision on other scheduled matches for England Men and England Women this summer will be determined at a later date.”
Steve Elworthy, ECB Director of Events, who is leading on English cricket’s bio-secure operational plans, said that their main objective was “to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders, including players and match officials”.
Elworthy explained, “Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders including players, match officials, operational staff, essential venue staff, broadcasters, and media. We are in daily dialogue with Government and our medical team, who have been incredibly supportive during this period. We would like to thank Cricket West Indies for their co-operation and dedication in making this tour a reality, and we all look forward to the prospect of cricket returning in the coming weeks.”
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The ECB also announced that it will begin the process to refund fans who had purchased the tickets for the matches as per the original schedule.
