ENG vs IND: Team India players test COVID-19 negative, Manchester Test likely to go as per schedule

With Test cricket being at its best in the ongoing series between England and India, the interruption of the COVID-19 virus would be the last thing one wants to see. Dark clouds were looming over the fifth and final Test after Team India’s assistant physiotherapist tested positive for the deadly virus on Wednesday (September 8). As a result, the visiting team canceled their training session and went under isolation at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester.

Needless to mention, this whole episode would have created panic in the Indian camp. It also put the fifth and final Test under doubt. However, as per the latest development, however, the whole Indian team returned with negative RT-PCR Tests of Thursday (September 9). Hence, the final game is all but likely to go as per schedule.

As per the Times of India, an internal BCCI meeting was called to discuss the matter and the Indian board is soon expected to convey its decision to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).  Moreover, BCCI secretary Jay Shah is of the opinion that the fifth Test should be conducted as per schedule as all the Indian players have tested negative.

Team India is 2-1 up in the five-match series

Meanwhile, the ongoing series has witnessed some exciting battle between the bat and the ball. Both teams have been neck to neck and it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious in the crucial encounter, if the game is conducted as per schedule. Team India currently has an unassailable 2-1 in the five-match series and they won’t mind registering another win.

On the other hand, Joe Root’s men have lost the opportunity of winning the series. However, they’ll still fight for settling the scores. After all, suffer another Test series defeat at home won’t be a great feat for the English team. It has to be noted that Jos Buttler has been called back for the final Test alongside left-arm spinner Jack Leach.

Hence, one can expect the Three Lions to do some tinkering in their line-up. On the other hand, the Indian camp would be high on confidence but they can’t afford to be complacent by any means. Meanwhile, the final Test gets underway on Friday (September 10) at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.