The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has affected the world severely brought it down to a standstill. Many countries are completely lockdown for their safety and to contain the spread of the virus. Many major sporting events are postponed or canceled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic affecting the globe. Cricket has also suffered a similar fate with many international and domestic matches canceled for over 2 months. Cricket associations have taken steps to bring the game back and resumption of sporting activities. The ICC cricket committee is making interim measures and changing rules for cricket resumption. Amid the same, the English Cricket Board (ECB) is in talks with the ICC over allowing coronavirus substitutes for the Test matches.
The outbreak of the Corona Pandemic had a massive impact on the Cricketing world. The pandemic has lead to Cricket’s apex decision making body to implement changes into the game. These decisions are an interim measure to resume sporting activities. The changes in rules are also undertaken to ensure the safety of players at all times.
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As per the report, the substitute rule will only be applicable for Test Cricket. ECB director of events Steve Elworthy said, “There are still some considerations from an ICC perspective about a COVID-19 replacement. That still needs to be agreed upon. I would hope that would be in place well before the Test series starts in July”.
Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) prohibited the use of saliva to shine the ball for players’ safety. The England Cricket team is slated to begin its’s cricketing activities with a three-Test series against West Indies.
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On Friday, Cricket West Indies gave the players its approval to travel to England for the Test series. The matches are scheduled to be played behind “closed-doors”. As a measure of safety, players, and staff to be kept in the “bio-secure environment”.
