ENG vs IND: Manchester Test cancellation is beginning of the end for Test cricket, claims Steve Harmison

Steve Harmison stated that the 5th Test was canceled, as the Indian players would not like to contract Covid-19 before the start of the IPL.

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Steve Harmison stated that the 5th Test was canceled, as the Indian players would not like to contract Covid-19 before the start of the IPL.
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Steve Harmison (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

The 5th Test match between England and India was canceled just hours before the scheduled start as four members of the Indian support staff tested positive for Covid-19. And, former England pacer Steve Harmison has offered his thoughts on this issue.

Harmison stated that the cancellation of the 5th Test match might well be the beginning of the end of Test match cricket. He also reckoned that when teams start to go down the cancellation road, then it is not a good sign.

Harmison even opined that the cancellation of the 5th Test is connected to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which starts on 19th September 2021.

“It’s rubbish, it really is. My initial thoughts are that this is the beginning of the end for Test cricket. When you’re choosing to go down this road, that’s it done. Let’s be fair before we start throwing stones, England did it to South Africa. Let’s get that straight from the very start.

We’re not the totally innocent party in this because we came home when we didn’t know what was going on. But this is all about the IPL. End of,” said Harmison as quoted by The Mirror.

For me, this is about India flexing their muscles: Steve Harmison

Steve Harmison added that the 5th Test was canceled, as the Indian players would not like to contract Covid-19 before the start of the Indian T20 league. Harmison even reckoned that India had requested England to shift the 5th Test forward so that the IPL can be fitted into the cricketing calendar.

“As much as I’d want to sugar coat it, I don’t think I can. The IPL starts in five days, and a month before the tour started India asked if they could move the last Test match forward or clear four days so they can fit the IPL in.

“We don’t know the full facts, but when teams are pulling out like that, two hours before the match, this is down to players saying, ‘if we contract COVID now we have to stay here for ten days and the IPL is starting’” said Harmison.

Adding that money is something that can make the entire world go round, the former England right-arm pacer concluded by stating that India are flexing their muscles and were not interested in playing the 5th and final Test match.

“It’s a short window there and money makes the world go round, but there’s a point where integrity comes into it. For me, this is India flexing their muscles and saying, ‘we’re not interested in playing – my bat, my ball, see you later’,” concluded Harmison.

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