In an unexpected turn of events, the fifth Test match between India and England was cancelled following a sudden Covid scare after the Indian coaching staff tested positive for the virus on the fifth day of the Oval Test.
Things seemed bleak initially as there were fears of the entire Indian contingent testing positive before the last Test began but the affair started glistening once the test results were out before the night of the match and for the second consecutive time, Indian players tested negative which flagged that India will go forward with the Test.
A sudden twist in the tale
However, on the day of the Test match, Indian players were apprehensive of further rise in Covid cases in the middle of the match and expressed their reluctance to play in the game. Hours ahead of the match, the match was declared cancelled.
Owing to this sudden unfolding of events, English players were extremely unhappy and ECB claimed initially that India has forfeited the match. Going by the condition of the series, India led 2-1 and was on the brink of history as they could have bagged the fray after ages.
Despite England’s persistent deliberations, India made it clear that they are not forfeiting the match and would like to schedule a one-off Test later in the year or the forthcoming one to complete such a brilliant contest of red-ball cricket.
India and England’s strained relationships can affect the game
As per the reports, England suffered massive losses after the fifth Test was cancelled and this has added to their reasons of rage against the BCCI. Even a couple of English players withdrew their names from the tournament as a sign of protest against India.
In the wake of such debatable wreckage, BCCI secretary, Jay Shah confirmed that he has laid another offer to play two additional T20’s in India’s forthcoming tour to England so that the hosts can make up their losses.
Shah quoted to Cricbuzz, “It is correct that we have offered to play two extra T20Is when we visit England next July (only for the white-ball games). Instead of three T20Is, we will play five T20Is. Alternately, we will be willing to play a one-off Test as well. It is up to them to choose either of the offers.”
Though the offing remains uncertain, yet for a Test series that promised so much excellence all around, it was a sour means to the end as the pandemic once again played the spoilsport.
