The fifth Test between England and India at Old Trafford has been called off due to concerns within the tourists’ camp over Covid-19.
India cancelled a practice session yesterday ahead of the match after a member of their support staff tested positive for Covid-19.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news. We know it will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.”
Head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive during India’s fourth Test win, forcing bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar and physiotherapist Nitin Pate to isolate.
Another member of the backroom staff tested positive yesterday.
The announcement to cancel the fifth test was made just over two hours before it was due to begin in Manchester.
Although England rescheduled all of their home fixtures in 2020, this is the first home men’s international to have been cancelled since the beginning of the pandemic.
England did postpone three one-day internationals in South Africa in December because of coronavirus fears.
