Some of the recent media reports suggest that the fifth and the final Test between India and England has been canceled which was scheduled to be commencing on Friday at Old Trafford in Manchester. The decision seems to be taken after Junior physio Yogesh Parmer tested positive for Covid-19, however, the RT-PR tests of the players who came in contact with him have some negative.
The negative tests of all 21 players increased the chances of the match at Old Trafford going ahead even though concerns remain. As per a PTI report, a senior Indian cricketer voiced his concerns over taking part in the game citing the chances of a playing member tests positive on one of the match days.
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In a statement confirming the same, ECB wrote: 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 canceled. Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India is regrettably unable to field a team. We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news.”
BREAKING: The fifth #ENGvIND Test in Manchester has been cancelled pic.twitter.com/xQJKmJGfQa
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 10, 2021
https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1436237152900288519?s=20
Fifth Test between England & India cancelled pic.twitter.com/z8AVeWnyW4
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) September 10, 2021
According to the sources of Outlook India, the entire Indian cricket team is having a second round of RT-PCR tests on Friday. Results are expected late in the evening, UK time. This is to ensure that the players are completely safe and don’t spread the COVID-19 virus. There was a lot of uncertainty regarding the commencement of the Manchester Test. Apparently, the Indian team did not want to play the match and ECB wanted the visitors to forfeit the game.
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The Indian contingent is already reeling with the Covid-19 positive cases within their core support staff including head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Shrishar, who are serving quarantine and have not traveled with the team to London for the final Test. Batting coach Vikram Rathour is the only senior support staff with the team.
