Should India have forfeited the 5th Test against England?

[MenInG]

India vs England fifth Test at Old Trafford has been cancelled ‘due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside Indian camp’ after one of India’s junior support staff was tested positive one day before the start of the Test match. What could have been a thrilling finish to what had been a sensational Test series, now comes to an abrupt end with no clarity on whether, India, on account of leading the series 2-1 have won this series, or, unable to field a team, have forfeited this game, thus handing the match to England and drawing the series 2-2.

series win will be a fantastic result for India and for Virat Kohli even if it comes under such dramatic circumstances, however, in a press release, the England Cricket Board had mentioned that India are unable to field a team and will instead forfeit the game. However, that statement was soon amended and the line about forfeiting the game was removed. The initial release led to the assumption that India had given up their 2-1 advantage, handing the match to England.

But, an amended statement clearly indicates that ECB’s media team jumped the gun while sending the release and the fate of the series is still hanging in a balance with possibly ECB and BCCI in discussion on how to go about it. It was earlier reported that the match may be postponed by a day or two, but with the IPL schedule to start in nine days’ time, the window for postponing the Test match was of just one day and with members of the Indian team reluctant to take the field for the 5th Test of Friday, it was looking like the match would be called off.

The point to note here is, the World Test Championship is already on and no team would like to lose points without even playing. While for both England and India a closure to the series will be of paramount importance, they would not like to lose out on the WTC points. With the IPL scheduled to begin September 19 and then T20 World set to start shortly afterward, playing this Test in the near future definitely seems impossible. And with Indian players reluctant to take the field at Old Trafford, England would not concede the series; and India clearly are not in a mood to forfeit also.

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...at-2-2-4187543.html?__twitter_impression=true

 

[Bhaijaan]

What is the most logical conclusion of India - England test series 2021?

1. Should the 5th test be recorded as a forefeit by India and the series by concluded 2-2

2. Should it be recorded a cancelled test and India be declared winners with 2-1 lead

3. Should the 5th test be postponed

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

What do the rules say? I’m not sure whether we forfeit or if it’s just a cancelled game.

As far as I know, being unable to field an XI in a game means automatic forfeiture. However there’s a suggestion that a separate set of COVID rules may apply.

We shall see.

 

[sweep_shot]

It should not be a forfeiture.

If game doesn't happen, India should win 2-1. They were the better team anyway.

 

[Aman]

Reschedule it if possible.

A forfeit is fine given none of the Indian players have tested positive and they're not willing to await further tests because of the IPL.

 

[Thephenom]

India are a bunch of wimps, they wouldn’t be cancelling the test if they were 2-1 down, they’re taking the cowards way out!

 

[IMMY69]

A draw if it's due to covid

Forfeit if it's due to IPL

 

[Varun]

India are a bunch of wimps, they wouldn’t be cancelling the test if they were 2-1 down, they’re taking the cowards way out!

Why, so we can become 3-1 like 2014 or 2018?

 

[James]

1. Should the 5th test be recorded as a forefeit by India and the series by concluded 2-2

2. Should it be recorded a cancelled test and India be declared winners with 2-1 lead

3. Should the 5th test be postponed

3

 

[Rana]

So the BCCI have started to mess with Big 3 boards as well now

 

[Robert]

It should not be a forfeiture.

If game doesn't happen, India should win 2-1. They were the better team anyway.

If England claimed they couldn’t raise a team I would expect ECB to forfeit.

 

[Robert]

3

Why [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]? They could have fielded a healthy side. This is bad faith by BCCI.

 

[AMSS]

Why [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]? They could have fielded a healthy side. This is bad faith by BCCI.

Bad faith was by ENG player and their board when they shafted South Africa.

This is the fifth test of a long series for this team where they need backroom support staff. They have none. The players themselves might test positive later since the virus takes a few days before it shows up on tests.

ECB are fully culpable allowing their fat, drunk fans liek Jarvo to run on the ground and mingle with players.

ECB should be compensating the BCCI here tbh.

 

[Mesozoic]

India are a bunch of wimps, they wouldn’t be cancelling the test if they were 2-1 down, they’re taking the cowards way out!

And why would India give away the winning momentum and allow England to recuperate and get back Stokes, Broad etc for a one-off match without much practice next summer if they're "cowards".

I mean I get the Indophobia but at least try to make some sense once in a while.

 

[James]

Why [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]? They could have fielded a healthy side. This is bad faith by BCCI.

If there are no particular barriers to moving the fixture into the next English summer, then I think we should have a rearranged match.

I don’t think England should chase a forfeiture and a win by default, it would be a cheap way for the series to end and not a result to be proud of.

The series should be played to its conclusion, and both sides given the opportunity to improve the scoreline for themselves.

 

[Robert]

Bad faith was by ENG player and their board when they shafted South Africa.

This is the fifth test of a long series for this team where they need backroom support staff. They have none. The players themselves might test positive later since the virus takes a few days before it shows up on tests.

ECB are fully culpable allowing their fat, drunk fans liek Jarvo to run on the ground and mingle with players.

ECB should be compensating the BCCI here tbh.

The hate is strong in this one.

 

[Robert]

If there are no particular barriers to moving the fixture into the next English summer, then I think we should have a rearranged match.

I don’t think England should chase a forfeiture and a win by default, it would be a cheap way for the series to end and not a result to be proud of.

The series should be played to its conclusion, and both sides given the opportunity to improve the scoreline for themselves.

So you are taking the part of the players of both sides. Fair enough.

But BCCI should face consequences for their bad faith. Cover 100% of the losses to LCCC and ECB, and pay all costs of the rescheduled match.

 

[AMSS]

The hate is strong in this one.

Not surprised at the tone deafness when you imply others of bad take without a reasoned look at how things stand. After all, you were probably in full sympathy with ECB when they left CSA holding the can.

Let me just say it again then, there's not a single sentence in my post you can factually dispute.

 

[deep82]

England didn't forfeit to SA so no reasons why India should forfeit.

In any case, there will be no forfeit and the test match will be scheduled later.

 

[topspin]

Bad faith was by ENG player and their board when they shafted South Africa.

This is the fifth test of a long series for this team where they need backroom support staff. They have none. The players themselves might test positive later since the virus takes a few days before it shows up on tests.

ECB are fully culpable allowing their fat, drunk fans liek Jarvo to run on the ground and mingle with players.

ECB should be compensating the BCCI here tbh.

He was wearing an Indian shirt.

 

[IMMY69]

Bad faith was by ENG player and their board when they shafted South Africa.

This is the fifth test of a long series for this team where they need backroom support staff. They have none. The players themselves might test positive later since the virus takes a few days before it shows up on tests.

ECB are fully culpable allowing their fat, drunk fans liek Jarvo to run on the ground and mingle with players.

ECB should be compensating the BCCI here tbh.

Situation with Covid and vaccines was extremely different then.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Reschedule it if possible.

A forfeit is fine given none of the Indian players have tested positive and they're not willing to await further tests because of the IPL.

Everything thing has to go as per schedule.

And forfeit on what grounds? Did England forfeit when they ran away from SA?

 

[AMSS]

The more I examine the situation, the less sympathy I have for ECB. They have earned whatever losses that comes their way.

Why did they not insist on a fully bio-secure bubble with their unrelenting covid situation? Full house attendances with no masks and having their drunk fans run on the pitch to come in contact with players. How was that allowed to happen?

Why would India play a game with all their support staff ill at the end of a LONG series with WTC points at stake? It makes no sense.

 

[cricketjoshila]

If England claimed they couldn’t raise a team I would expect ECB to forfeit.

So if England doesn't tour any country in future due to whatever reason, its a forfeit?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Situation with Covid and vaccines was extremely different then.

England is reporting close to 40k cases daily? Or am i mistaken?

 

[Ab Fan]

Why [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]? They could have fielded a healthy side. This is bad faith by BCCI.

It is not easy. We don't know if they are mentally up for it or not. If all this had happened because of a bio secure bubble breach, it is a different case then. You could blame the ineptness of Indian T.M then. Here, there is no such bubble and they have their families travelling with them too. It becomes a different case here.

This could affect things going into the World T20 too as they would be travelling to UAE in a week time. It is best that this test is rescheduled on some other date.

 

[street cricketer]

The coach tests positive before the 4th test. The physio tests positive a week later. But no player tests positive, which is a highly unlikely scenario. I can bet my bottom dollar that at least a few in the playing squad would test positive and they're likely in the incubation period of the infection which is probably why they're yet to return positive tests. The physio is almost always in close contact with the players, particularly the fast bowlers all of whom undergo recuperation on the massage table after the end of the fielding innings.

It's one thing for the Indian team to play without a coach in the Oval test. But it's very difficult to play an entire test without a physio. Sure, the ECB could arrange a physio for the Indian team. But what if suddenly 3-4 players in the playing XI return a positive test on the 3rd day. It would be a colossal mess up if that happens. Postponing the game was the right decision. The same happened when covid broke out in the hotel staff when they were in South Africa and they immediately left the country.

Forfeiture is something you would do when you cannot field a XI either on your own will or due to avoidable reasons. I get that the BCCI is not the most popular board due to its actions, but asking the Indian team to forfeit the test insinuates that they intentionally caught the covid virus in their camp and so should pay the price for it, which is frankly an inhumane thing to suggest.

 

[cricketjoshila]

So you are taking the part of the players of both sides. Fair enough.

But BCCI should face consequences for their bad faith. Cover 100% of the losses to LCCC and ECB, and pay all costs of the rescheduled match.

What bad faith? This is a force majeure.

Infact Bcci should sue ECB because grounds were full of spectators and some ran to the pitch. Can ECB confirm that no fan was covid positive? Or no security staff or hotel staff or ground staff was covid positive? ECB didn't put together a bubble .

 

[IMMY69]

England is reporting close to 40k cases daily? Or am i mistaken?

So?
We're talking about last year before the vacccines..
Are you telling me that the situation then is the same as it is now? Just the fact that England went there and played matches during the pandemic pre vaccines was brave enough...

 

[IMMY69]

What bad faith? This is a force majeure.

Infact Bcci should sue ECB because grounds were full of spectators and some ran to the pitch. Can ECB confirm that no fan was covid positive? Or no security staff or hotel staff or ground staff was covid positive? ECB didn't put together a bubble .

You add nothing to the debate.

If it turn out the game was cancelled to due to the IPL and the game was not forfeited as BCCI and the ECB reached an agreement, your final answer will be "so? Money talks and no one can mess with the mega BCCi and shining India"...

For once say something else

 

[Ab Fan]

When Indian third string team didn't fortfiet in Sri Lanka in a T20 series where 8 players were tested positive, no way on earth the Indian full stength team under Kohli will fortfiet this series and that too in England where stakes are higher.

If the match happens, things can go worse over the course of next few days, so the decision of postponment makes complete sense.

 

[IMMY69]

The coach tests positive before the 4th test. The physio tests positive a week later. But no player tests positive, which is a highly unlikely scenario. I can bet my bottom dollar that at least a few in the playing squad would test positive and they're likely in the incubation period of the infection which is probably why they're yet to return positive tests. The physio is almost always in close contact with the players, particularly the fast bowlers all of whom undergo recuperation on the massage table after the end of the fielding innings.

It's one thing for the Indian team to play without a coach in the Oval test. But it's very difficult to play an entire test without a physio. Sure, the ECB could arrange a physio for the Indian team. But what if suddenly 3-4 players in the playing XI return a positive test on the 3rd day. It would be a colossal mess up if that happens. Postponing the game was the right decision. The same happened when covid broke out in the hotel staff when they were in South Africa and they immediately left the country.

Forfeiture is something you would do when you cannot field a XI either on your own will or due to avoidable reasons. I get that the BCCI is not the most popular board due to its actions, but asking the Indian team to forfeit the test insinuates that they intentionally caught the covid virus in their camp and so should pay the price for it, which is frankly an inhumane thing to suggest.

Problem I see is that some players will eventually test positive and even if they don't they should surely isolate for ten days before flying off to Dubai?

 

[Abu_Hamza]

The ICC rule states that if a match is cancelled due to COVID then that match has to be taken out of the WTC and the points for the matches played will be considered as a part of WTC. Now from does this talk of forfeiting the match comes, heck even Aus wont forfeit the match against Afghans which has been cancelled by Aus.

 

[Aman]

What bad faith? This is a force majeure.

Infact Bcci should sue ECB because grounds were full of spectators and some ran to the pitch. Can ECB confirm that no fan was covid positive? Or no security staff or hotel staff or ground staff was covid positive? ECB didn't put together a bubble .

Coach tested positive during the 4th Test and India chose to continue, no?

India were in a strong position and didn't want abandon that match, now IPL is around and there's a chance of not winning the series, India want to cancel the last Test lol?

 

[street cricketer]

Problem I see is that some players will eventually test positive and even if they don't they should surely isolate for ten days before flying off to Dubai?

I'm not aware of the quarantine rules of the UK or the UAE but I think it's highly likely that we might see some players testing positive in the coming days.

 

[Abu_Hamza]

Coach tested positive during the 4th Test and India chose to continue, no?

India were in a strong position and didn't want abandon that match, now IPL is around and there's a chance of not winning the series, India want to cancel the last Test lol?

Coach was isolated and also India doesnt run away like Aus, Eng. They were already about to win even the 1st test only for the rain to come to the rescue of ENG.

 

[IMMY69]

I'm not aware of the quarantine rules of the UK or the UAE but I think it's highly likely that we might see some players testing positive in the coming days.

Ten days isolation if you test positive is the law here.

Not sure if the UAE will slow entry either until players have isolated but not sure about this.

 

[James]

In UK, if a close contact tests negative AND they have had 2 vaccine doses then they don’t have to isolate.

 

[Bhaijaan]

If there are no particular barriers to moving the fixture into the next English summer, then I think we should have a rearranged match.

I don’t think England should chase a forfeiture and a win by default, it would be a cheap way for the series to end and not a result to be proud of.

The series should be played to its conclusion, and both sides given the opportunity to improve the scoreline for themselves.

A brave take on the matter. Much appreciated too.

As an Indian fan, I also wouldn't feel great if England is denied to contest to save a home test series. It's always a matter of huge proud being a test loving nation.

This is probably a test if BCCI-ECB relationship and a test of their character.

Whatever the conclusion is, most important thing here is we must habe the faith of both parties involved.

Relationships and love for test cricket must come before anything.

 

[Mirpur express]

Frankly speaking I was more worried about Root breaking MoYo’s record

 

[street cricketer]

In UK, if a close contact tests negative AND they have had 2 vaccine doses then they don’t have to isolate.

In this case, 3 out of 4 in the coaching setup tested positive by the third day of the last test and consequently the head coach, the batting, bowling, fielding coach and the physiotherapist were isolated. Now the only remaining assistant physio has tested positive too and he was the only guy remaining who was working with the players during the remainder of the test and afterwards. So that definitely counts as a close contact.

 

[Robert]

So if England doesn't tour any country in future due to whatever reason, its a forfeit?

Difficult to comment on such a generalisation.

If England have a healthy squad and decide not to play the fifth Ashes test on the morning of the match, I would say ECB should forfeit.

 

[street cricketer]

Difficult to comment on such a generalisation.

If England have a healthy squad and decide not to play the fifth Ashes test on the morning of the match, I would say ECB should forfeit.

What's your contingency plan in case a few players in the playing XI return positive tests in the midst of the test match?

 

[Boxer]

England were any way playing with two and a half men (Root, Anderson, Wokes). They would be the happier team Match is being rescheduled

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Frankly I think this is a good result for England. They should be happy with a draw and happier with a reschedule so they can come back with Archer, Stokes and challenge India then. But India also might come back with a better middle order next year.

 

[WengerOut]

What is the point of PCR tests for close contacts right after somebody tests positive? Even PCR tests could take upto 5 days, after contacting virus, to be positive.

 

[HitWicket]

Not surprised at the tone deafness when you imply others of bad take without a reasoned look at how things stand. After all, you were probably in full sympathy with ECB when they left CSA holding the can.

Let me just say it again then, there's not a single sentence in my post you can factually dispute.

The ECB and CSA postponed that series as a joint decision. The CSA team doctor also admitted that his own team were too lax in following biosecurity rules after it turned out they were breaking biosecurity rules pretty much as soon as the bubble started to form.

 

[HitWicket]

What bad faith? This is a force majeure.

Infact Bcci should sue ECB because grounds were full of spectators and some ran to the pitch. Can ECB confirm that no fan was covid positive? Or no security staff or hotel staff or ground staff was covid positive? ECB didn't put together a bubble .

The BCCI agreed to the tour fully aware that the ECB had conceded that there would potentially be positive cases but there would be procedures in place to deal with them. They've now decided at the last minute not to play a game despite that so should be covering the £30m+ lost income.

Alternatively it could be rearranged to a free slot the ECB have in the schedule that doesn't negatively impact them. So that'll be the rest of this month or next May... I suspect the BCCI won't be keen for those.

 

[MenInG]

Just hours before the scheduled start of the 5th and final Test between India and England, the Manchester encounter was cancelled in dramatic manner. While there's no update on when and how the match will be replayed, the cancellation of the fixture is reportedly set to cost the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) big.

On Friday, the news of the first day's play being deferred surfaced amid fears of more Covid-19 infections in the Indian camp. However, the tour could not be extended by even a single day owing to the impending resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign on Sepember 19.

As per a report in the Telegraph UK, the fifth Test would have been rearranged (with a delay of one or two days) and not cancelled if the players didn't have to report to UAE for the IPL Season 14.

Even India's recent limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka saw such a scenario arise and the match had to be postponed due to positive cases in the Indian camp. A similar arrangement would've taken place in the England series if the IPL resumption wasn't so close.

“Like what happened in Sri Lanka - the tour gets a bit pushed. Now, they just don’t have the window,” a source told Telegraph Sport.

The report further added that the cancellation of the final Test will cost English cricket in the region of £20 million (Approx INR 200 crore).

IPL franchises have already begun their respective camps in UAE in full swing. The Indian as well as England players, a part of the IPL, were supposed to leave for the UAE immediately after the conclusion of the 5th Test on September 14. The departure plans, however, are now likely to be altered.

A lot would depend on the subsequent RT-PCR tests in the Indian camp. If players test positive in the next few days, then their participation in the Phase-2 of the IPL 2021 will most certainly be affected.

It all started with the India head coach Ravi Shastro contracting Covid-19, followed by positive RT-PCR tests of Bharat Arun, R Sridhar and a physiotherapist in the Indian camp. With the 5th Test cancelled, a later arrangement will be made for the match. India's limited-overs tour of England next year could see this fixture being added to the list.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...rescheduled-if-not-for-ipl-2021-report/810279

 

[Bhaijaan]

[MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION] [MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION]

Fans are giving this a dramatic angle unecessarily. BCCI and ECB are on very healthy terms and will be able to find mutual understanding in a sensible conclusion.

Latest report is that BCCI has offered to reschedule the 5th test at an appropriate time allowed by schedules of both boards.

And it seems that ECB has stated that the rescheduled test would be a standalone rest and would not be part of this series.

So, we are reaching a conclusion. India to be declared winners with their 2-1 lead over 4 tests and a standalone test ti be played later in England.

Given the extraordinary circumstances influenced by Covid, this seems sensible.

 

[Rana]

England need the forfeit result apparently for the insurance to cover the costs

 

[silentkiller187]

The only fall out from all of this will be financial, ECB and Lancashire especially will lose out big time, all days that were pre advertised were sold out, not to mention all the fans that travelled down from various parts of the country, you can get a refund on your ticket but not your train fare , hotel, time of work etc.

This is my only issue, ECB and BCCI could have made this decision yesterday.

I understand India's position whether IPL related or not they have every right to not play without a physio. They are 2-1 up they are leaving soon, mentally the players probably just accepted lets get out and ran with it, the fallout over a missed test will be less harmful to india then their main stars missing the resumption of the IPL.

 

[silentkiller187]

What bad faith? This is a force majeure.

Infact Bcci should sue ECB because grounds were full of spectators and some ran to the pitch. Can ECB confirm that no fan was covid positive? Or no security staff or hotel staff or ground staff was covid positive? ECB didn't put together a bubble .

ECB does not need to put in place a bubble, England is out of lockdown therefore there is no requirement for this, if india felt the need for a bubble they should have maintained one, instead their coaches and players were out and about visiting book launches with crowded fans, that's where shahstri contracted covid anyway.

 

[Buffet]

I would have liked to see the full test here. It has been a fascinating series. Despite poor batting, both teams produced very good series here.
If the weather forecast was 2 days of rain then probably it's better to see this test later when rain is not predicted. I would want full 5 days rather than a lame draw.

 

[Marathonrunner]

1. Should the 5th test be recorded as a forefeit by India and the series by concluded 2-2

2. Should it be recorded a cancelled test and India be declared winners with 2-1 lead

3. Should the 5th test be postponed

Either 2 or 3 decided amicably by both the boards

 

[globalcitizen]

No question of a forfeit. Both boards are in good terms and they will work out a fixture in future. Oh yeah until then leave all your work and go yapping on a forum lol

 

[AMSS]

ECB does not need to put in place a bubble, England is out of lockdown therefore there is no requirement for this, if india felt the need for a bubble they should have maintained one, instead their coaches and players were out and about visiting book launches with crowded fans, that's where shahstri contracted covid anyway.

How'd BCCI maintain a bubble when ECB allows maskless crowd at stadium with many of them running onto the ground and contacting players? What even are you on about lol

 

[shamaan]

ECB will bow down to BCCI

 

[Devadwal]

Boundary count��:

India: 245
England: 233

So,India win this series. Lol

 

[Technics 1210]

So India win because England bestowed charity by cancelling the match on safety concerns.

Same old story century after century.

 

[RamLakhan]

This match will be rescheduled and be played some time. England will win that comfortably as its a 1 match affair and they can prepare for it very well (India will always fail in such scenarios as it happened with WTC finals). So whoever crying now about this can get joyous at that time, so don't worry!

 

[silentkiller187]

How'd BCCI maintain a bubble when ECB allows maskless crowd at stadium with many of them running onto the ground and contacting players? What even are you on about lol

Exactly my point, why would you need a bubble if the countries not in lockdown. The poster is claiming india should sue england for not maintaining a bubble, the comment i make is why didn't india maintain stricter controls themselves if they were so worried to the point they should sue england now.

Why did shahstri and kohli visit a crowded book signing taking pics and mingling with fans, i think that's a lot worse than one spectator coming onto the pitch and probably maintaining a good distance from India's players.

Indians players and support staff should sue their irresponsible captain and coach if anything.

 

[dildilpak]

ECB does not need to put in place a bubble, England is out of lockdown therefore there is no requirement for this, if india felt the need for a bubble they should have maintained one, instead their coaches and players were out and about visiting book launches with crowded fans, that's where shahstri contracted covid anyway.

Either the players are in a bubble or not, no half measures there. Why should Indians be in a self imposed bubble if English players are allowed to freely move, players are staying in hotels with common elevators shared with general public, public allowed to mingle with cricketers etc. Yes the book launch was an overkill, but one cannot pinpoint & say that the Indian coaching staff got it from the booklaunch itself there when there are numerous other places they could have been exposed to the virus within the hotel they are staying or at the ground itself.

The fault is with ECB. They could have insisted on bio bubble at the start of the series to protect their own investment, but they chose not to. So now you cant blame the Indians.

The boards will be ok - i am sure both boards will find a way to share the losses, but its a bummer that fans lose out on a great climax to the series.

 

[Devadwal]

And when England bluntly walked off from the entire tour of SA, there weren’t so much noise or discussions of the same magnitude. Why such hypocrisy?! I totally stand why what BCCI and the team management has decided. Maybe this could have been announced yesterday.

 

[silentkiller187]

Either the players are in a bubble or not, no half measures there. Why should Indians be in a self imposed bubble if English players are allowed to freely move, players are staying in hotels with common elevators shared with general public, public allowed to mingle with cricketers etc. Yes the book launch was an overkill, but one cannot pinpoint & say that the Indian coaching staff got it from the booklaunch itself there when there are numerous other places they could have been exposed to the virus within the hotel they are staying or at the ground itself.

The fault is with ECB. They could have insisted on bio bubble at the start of the series to protect their own investment, but they chose not to. So now you cant blame the Indians.

The boards will be ok - i am sure both boards will find a way to share the losses, but its a bummer that fans lose out on a great climax to the series.

Why would ECB impose a bubble though when the countries not in lockdown, there's no need for this sport or not, the premier league has carried on without hiccup for almost 2 seasons now during covid times.

For the record i am not saying india should be in a bubble, i was responding to the poster who claims india should now sue england for not arranging a bubble which is nonsense.

Guidance has been given to players to avoid public transport , avoid crowded places etc, if coaches and players cant follow the guidance its their fault not anyone elses.

 

[dildilpak]

Why would ECB impose a bubble though when the countries not in lockdown, there's no need for this sport or not, the premier league has carried on without hiccup for almost 2 seasons now during covid times.

For the record i am not saying india should be in a bubble, i was responding to the poster who claims india should now sue england for not arranging a bubble which is nonsense.

Guidance has been given to players to avoid public transport , avoid crowded places etc, if coaches and players cant follow the guidance its their fault not anyone elses.

Guidances mean nothing as they are only recommendations. Again - how can the players avoid crowded places if they are sharing elevators, breakfast rooms, flights with others?

Thats why ECB could not force BCCI to forfeit as there was no breach of protocols here.

On a side note - probably the English players will be the most relieved lot now that the match got cancelled - their risk of exposure is now vastly reduced.

 

[silentkiller187]

Guidances mean nothing as they are only recommendations. Again - how can the players avoid crowded places if they are sharing elevators, breakfast rooms, flights with others?

Thats why ECB could not force BCCI to forfeit as there was no breach of protocols here.

On a side note - probably the English players will be the most relieved lot now that the match got cancelled - their risk of exposure is now vastly reduced.

Guidance is guidance, if you choose not to follow it it makes you irresponsible like i said, you shouldn't be blaming anyone else but yourself.

I highly doubt the english players were worried, the countries not in lockdown they have been moving freely before and after this tour and they have been fine.

It would have been the Indians that were worried, and they got the tour cancelled as a result, god forbid one of the indian superstars missed the resumption of the IPL because of a test match.

 

[HitWicket]

And when England bluntly walked off from the entire tour of SA, there weren’t so much noise or discussions of the same magnitude. Why such hypocrisy?! I totally stand why what BCCI and the team management has decided. Maybe this could have been announced yesterday.

The ECB and CSA postponed that series as a joint decision rather than the current situation where England are keen and willing to play.

The CSA team doctor also admitted that his own team were too lax in following biosecurity rules after it turned out they were breaking biosecurity rules pretty much as soon as the bubble started to form. In the current case the only team that appear to have potentially broken biosecurity rules are India, as they also did in Australia.

 

[AMSS]

Exactly my point, why would you need a bubble if the countries not in lockdown. The poster is claiming india should sue england for not maintaining a bubble, the comment i make is why didn't india maintain stricter controls themselves if they were so worried to the point they should sue england now.

Why did shahstri and kohli visit a crowded book signing taking pics and mingling with fans, i think that's a lot worse than one spectator coming onto the pitch and probably maintaining a good distance from India's players.

Indians players and support staff should sue their irresponsible captain and coach if anything.

Because BCCI trusted ECB - the hosts - to craft the right protocols that ensures the safety of everyone involved? Because they took ECB on their word that the covid situation in UK paired with vaccinations was enough to allow the series to be completed without so much as a hiccup.

The ECB are completely responsible for the guidelines and protocols, and the risk if completely theirs. BCCI are at fault only if the Indian players were to violate the said protocols. ECB has still not said *ANY* Indian player/coaching staff were in violation of the protocols.

So BCCI has every ground to sue the ECB for not having the right protocols/safety measures in place and endagering lives.

 

[AMSS]

For this test match alone, Jos Buttler would have played after spending time with family. Who can say he wasn't a risk of carrying the virus and infecting others since ECB failed to make him quarantine.

ECB completely lost the plot holding this series.

 

[street cricketer]

The ECB and CSA postponed that series as a joint decision rather than the current situation where England are keen and willing to play.

The CSA team doctor also admitted that his own team were too lax in following biosecurity rules after it turned out they were breaking biosecurity rules pretty much as soon as the bubble started to form. In the current case the only team that appear to have potentially broken biosecurity rules are India, as they also did in Australia.

Did a biosecure bubble exist for this series in the first place?

And what kind of "biosecurity rules" we're talking about here when ECB Chief executive Tom Harrison attended the event of Shastri's book launch..

 

[MenInG]

There were all sorts of theories and statements doing the rounds as soon as the news of the fifth and final Test match between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester was declared cancelled due to fears over the spread of Covid-19 in the Indian camp.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) first called for forfeiture of the Manchester Test but later changed the claim as their Indian counterparts, the BCCI, called for the fifth Test match to be postponed and/or rescheduled.

So far, the biggest talking point has been whether the England-India series' final result would end up as a 2-2 tie in favour of both the nations or 2-1 in India’s favour.

Technically speaking, India was ahead 2-1 after four Tests with their emphatic 157-run win over the hosts in the penultimate match at Kennington Oval in London.

However, since the series hasn't rightfully been completed, both the Boards have agreed that they are looking at rescheduling the Test match and until that happens the series stands alive at 2-1.

Having said that, if the said Test match is held anytime between now and the next year, within the ongoing two-year cycle of the World Test Championship 2021-23 (WTC), a result in the overall score of the series (currently at 2-1) including the fifth Test should be decided.

If the Test match does not take place, the BCCI and the ECB will have to mutually decide between themselves a possible solution to this or wait for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to intervene with the latter being the most likely outcome considering the heavy financial setback the ECB have had to endure.

But then again if the two concerned boards were to dispute the final result, it will be world cricket's authority -- the ICC’s call to set up a committee that will look into the matter in adherence with the game’s Code of Conduct.

“It’s not for the ECB to decide,” said the sources who are in the know of the detailed matter.

Moreover, many Indian cricketers believed that they do not feel safe going out on the field and play cricket at a time when the fear of the coronavirus pandemic was lurking within the camp where the cricketers had travelled with their families is a fair cause of concern.

“How exactly are cricketers supposed to concentrate on a Test match when they know there’s been a Covid case around them throughout and has been closely interacting with them,” sources added.

With the second phase of the IPL 2021 around the corner, the players are planning their travel plans from Manchester to the UAE where their franchises await the cricketers' presence. Players from both Team India and Team England will feature in the showpiece event starting from September 19.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...5th-test-cancelled-due-to-covid-report/810406

 

[Oligochaetes]

What about Ravi Shastri.... who might have caused all of this, by going for a book launch? Hope he isn't sued...lol.. did he single handedly cause all of this?

P.S did he release his own book?

 

[Robert]

[MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION] [MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION]

Fans are giving this a dramatic angle unecessarily. BCCI and ECB are on very healthy terms and will be able to find mutual understanding in a sensible conclusion.

Latest report is that BCCI has offered to reschedule the 5th test at an appropriate time allowed by schedules of both boards.

And it seems that ECB has stated that the rescheduled test would be a standalone rest and would not be part of this series.

So, we are reaching a conclusion. India to be declared winners with their 2-1 lead over 4 tests and a standalone test ti be played later in England.

Given the extraordinary circumstances influenced by Covid, this seems sensible.

ECB should push the point at the ICC. If BCCI pulled out (for reasons which to me are less related to COVID safety and more related to the big bucks of the IPL) only to reschedule, then the fifth test should be the fifth test regardless of when it is played, not a one-off.

 

[Last Monetarist]

The ECB and CSA postponed that series as a joint decision rather than the current situation where England are keen and willing to play.

The CSA team doctor also admitted that his own team were too lax in following biosecurity rules after it turned out they were breaking biosecurity rules pretty much as soon as the bubble started to form. In the current case the only team that appear to have potentially broken biosecurity rules are India, as they also did in Australia.

The ECB got a dose of their own medicine, that hysteria in South Africa proved unfounded and left CSA high and dry.

I have absolutely no sympathy with the ECB for what's transpired today.

 

[Rajdeep]

A resounding NO.

ECB must demand the loses from BCCI that it would incur due to this cancellation.

I know ECB did the same to cricket South Africa but still didnt want my team to forefeit a test match.

 

[Buffet]

So the blame game begins, but are India really the right target for your anger?


It’s anything goes in England at the moment, for everyone except Indian cricketers, who are apparently bound to higher standards by their obligation to what, exactly, the ECB’s bottom line and our entertainment? India have been on tour here for four months now, subjected to similar sorts of stresses and pressures that led the England team to cancel their own tour of South Africa last year. In that case it was a pair of hotel workers who tested positive, in this one it was a physio, who had face-to-face contact with the players while he has been treating them in the last few days. And since those matches were postponed, and not forfeited, you would think it should be the same this time, especially since the game is already being rescheduled. Unless the ECB really want to maintain that it should be one rule for them and another for everyone else.

Which would be difficult, given that they are, of course, currently in the middle of their own negotiations with Cricket Australia about whether they can persuade the Australian government to show a little flexibility with the rules to help protect the mental health of their own players during the Ashes tour this winter. If you really want to know where to direct your anger for all this, it’s not the players, it’s not the coaches and for once it’s not the administrators. It’s the virus. And shouting about it doesn’t seem to make much difference.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/10/england-india-cricket-test-blame-game

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/countries/india/england-vs-india-test-cricket-2021-fifth-test-at-old-trafford-news-covid19-cancelled-postponed-update-latest/news-story/96fd01d13361b2cf444888011e4cf18a

England’s fifth and final Test against India, due to start in Manchester at 8pm AEST on Friday night, has been cancelled at the last minute over fears of a Covid-19 outbreak.

It follows four Covid-19 cases among India support staff this week, with multiple reports stating India’s players were unwilling to play until the results of another round of Covid-19 tests were received.

An England Cricket Board statement read: “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 cancelled.

“Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team.”

The statement originally continued: “and [India] will instead regrettably forfeit the match.”

That line was quickly removed, with the cricket authorities of both nations debating whether the Test will be ruled a forfeit or a cancellation that would see India earn bragging rights as 2-1 series winners.

India’s assistant physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday night (local time), leading to India’s Thursday training session and other media commitments being cancelled with players sent into isolation.

India head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar earlier tested positive for Covid-19 during the previous Test in London.

All players subsequently tested negative for Covid-19 on both occasions, leading to the Test set to be played as scheduled.

But less than three hours before play was due to begin at the sold-out Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, the first day was cancelled. Half an hour later, the Test was called off completely.

India’s players are still awaiting the results of a second round of Covid-19 testing that was completed on Thursday.

The big-money Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament resumes in the United Arab Emirates on September 19, just five days after the England tour is set to conclude.

Given the number of players from both England and India’s Test teams set to feature in the IPL tournament, there were significant fears they would be ruled out should an outbreak spread during the Old Trafford Test. Postponing the game also proved extremely difficult due to the tight turnaround.

Significant debate is ongoing as to whether the result will be ruled a forfeit by India, or a cancellation.

Coming into the final Test, India led the series 2-1. An India forfeit would see England level the tie at 2-2 - robbing India of a first series win in England since 2007.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports: “It’s an evolving situation; it’s a mess. There’s still a bit of debate about the actual result - that hasn’t been clarified. The ECB will work that out with the BCCI and the ICC in time. There’s been no forfeiture.

“The ECB have said there will be a refund on ticket sales, but you can imagine how many people have waited to come here and watch this Test match - and it was set up beautifully. It’s a real shame the series has to end on such a low note.”

Fellow ex-England skipper Mike Atherton also said on Sky: “I don’t think forfeiture will be the end result, for sure.”

Michael Vaughan took to social media to write: “India have let English Cricket down !!! But England did let South African Cricket down !!!”

That references the aborted England tour of South Africa in December 2020, in which three ODIs were cancelled due to Covid-19 outbreaks.

Kevin Pietersen wrote: “England left the tour of SA for Covid scares & cost CSA plenty, so don’t go pointing fingers!”

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

What a farce.

 

[PakLFC]

Good way for India to finally win a test series in England, just cancel the decisive test saying we have a Covid outbreak! There will always be a cloud hanging over how India won this series with fans pointing out the last test was cancelled. England at least now know how Pak felt where so many tours have been cancelled. As Pak nether plays India nor in the IPL it doesn't bother me if it was to ensure the IPL is not effected.