'They played 4th Test as well without their coach and support staff' - Inzamam-ul-Haq supports India's take on Manchester Test

The fifth Test between India and England got canceled at Manchester due to COVID-19 havoc in the Indian camp and the visitors couldn’t take the field eventually on Friday. It has to be noted that as soon as the match got canceled, there came a lot of reports that added that India isn’t willing to take the field or push the Test due to the commencement of the second leg of IPL 2021. However, in the same line of events, former Pakistan cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq has supported India’s decision.

Haq added that India’s decision of not playing the Manchester Test was the correct one as all players would have been in close contact with the physiotherapist, who has been tested positive. Since the symptoms usually show in 3-4 days, it could have created a lot of problems for English players as well. The former cricketer also lauded India for displaying a dominating spirit at The Oval even without the services of their head coach.

“It is unfortunate that the fifth Test between India and England couldn’t go ahead due to Covid. It was a great series but to be fair to India, they were playing the fourth Test as well without their coach and support staff. But they showed great determination on the field,” said Haq while speaking on his YouTube Channel.

Inzamam-ul-Haq explains the importance of physiotherapists in Tests

Haq further explained the importance of physiotherapists in the Test matches and added how they remain in close association with players. Though all the players tested negative in the latest round of COVID-19 testing, it was a little difficult for visitors to take the field without their physio, reckoned Haq.

“It is very difficult to play without the support staff. When you are injured or are facing a niggle, you need a trainer or physio to help you recover and make you match-fit. People must be wondering why India pulled out despite all their players being fit. The physios and trainers are very important. After a day’s play in a Test match ends, the physio’s job begins. He needs to treat the players and keep them in shape for the upcoming day’s play. So, it would be wrong to say that India pulled out despite their players having tested negative,” concluded Haq.