Postponed Test between England and India to be played from July 1 in 2022

The fifth Test between England and India that was postponed earlier this year will now be played from July 1 next year. The Test was postponed as several members of the Indian support staff tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier, the BCCI offered England Cricket Board (ECB) to play two extra T20Is on England tour next year instead of the Test to cover up the losses but it seems that both boards have reached terms.

“We are very pleased that we have reached an agreement with BCCI to creating a fitting end to what has been a brilliant series so far,” Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said. “I’m very grateful to all the venues involved for the cooperation they’ve shown in allowing us to reschedule this match. I’d also like to thank Cricket South Africa for their support and understanding to allow these changes to be possible.

Originally, the Test was scheduled to be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester but the venue has been changed to Edgbaston for the rescheduled Test. ECB revealed that the venue was changed due to the complexities in the schedule and lack of time to prepare the pitch. “Due to the complexities in the schedule, the fixture cannot be staged at Emirates Old Trafford owing to clashes with pre-planned events at the venue, which will leave insufficient time to prepare a Test pitch,” the ECB explained in a media release.

India will also play three ODIs and as many T20Is on the England tour. The T20I leg of the series was set to commence on July 1 but with the accommodation of the Test, it will now start on July 7, pushing the start of the ODI series to July 12.