The postponed fifth Test between England and India will be held at Edgbaston from July 1-5 next year instead of its original venue at Emirates Old Trafford, and will also decide the result of the series, with India currently leading the series 2-1, following their victories at Lord’s and The Oval.
The decision follows extensive discussions between the ECB and the BCCI, after India’s players withdrew from the original match in September, citing worries about a Covid-19 outbreak within their camp.
In order to fulfil the fixture, and so meet the terms of the ECB’s broadcasting deal with Sky, an extensive rearrangement of England’s summer schedule has been agreed upon.
With the Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chilli Peppers due to host concerts at Old Trafford during the window for the India Test, the venue will instead host the second Test against South Africa, starting on August 25, which had originally been allocated to Edgbaston.
In addition, the limited-over series between England and India will now start six days later than originally planned, with Edgbaston now due to host a T20I on July 9, instead of the ODI that had originally been planned for that date.
What the England Official said
Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, said: “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.
“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.”
What the Indian Official said
Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, added: “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.
“The BCCI recognises 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.”
Full Schedule of the Series
July 1-5 – Rescheduled 5th LV= Insurance Test vs India, Edgbaston
July 7 – 1st Vitality T201, Ageas Bowl
July 9 – 2nd Vitality T20I, Edgbaston
July 10 – 3rd Vitality T20I, Trent Bridge
July 12 – 1st Royal London ODI, Kia Oval
July 14 – 2nd Royal London ODI, Lord’s
July 17 – 3rd Royal London ODI, Emirates Old Trafford
August 25-29 – 2nd LV= Insurance Test vs South Africa, Emirates Old Trafford