Fifth England-India Test rescheduled for next year

New Delhi, Oct 23: The fifth Test between England and India was called due to the visitors not being able to field a team due to an outbreak of COVID-19 within the travelling contingent. The cancelled match that was supposed to be played at Old Trafford will now be played at Edgbaston, starting July 1, 2022, following an agreement between the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Following the conclusion of the rescheduled Test, India will play three T20Is and three ODIs against England, with the tour concluding on 17 July. Old Trafford will instead host the second Test when South Africa travel to England in August. “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," said Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer. “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. “We would like to apologise again to fans for the disruption and disappointment of September events. We know it was a day that so many had planned long in advance. “We recognise that accommodating this extra match means a tighter schedule for the white ball series. We will continue to manage our players’ welfare and workloads through next year while we also continue to seek the optimum schedule for fans, players and our partners across the game." “I am delighted that the England-India Test series will now have its rightful conclusion. The four Test matches were riveting, and we needed a fitting finale," said Jay Shah, the Honorary Secretary of BCCI. "The BCCI recognizes and respects the traditional form of the game and is also mindful of its role and obligations towards fellow Board Members. In the last two months, both BCCI and the ECB have been engaged in discussions and our efforts were aimed at finding a suitable window. I thank the ECB for their understanding and patience in finding an amicable solution.” Revised schedule: Rescheduled fifth Test, Edgbaston - 1-5 July 1st T20I, Ageas Bowl - 7 July 2nd T20I, Edgbaston - 9 July 3rd T20I, Trent Bridge - 10 July 1st ODI, The Oval - 12 July 2nd ODI, Lord’s - 14 July 3rd ODI, Old Trafford - 17 July