The scheduled 5th Test match between India and England, slated to start Friday, has been cancelled. This information was confirmed by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in an official statement.
ECB while stating that the Manchester Test is cancelled cited India are "unable to field a team."
So far, there has been no word from the BCCI but it appears that a general consensus has been made.
ECB's Full Statement:
"Following ongoing conversations with the BCCI, the ECB can confirm that the fifth LV= Insurance Test between England and India Men due to start today at Emirates Old Trafford, will be cancelled.
Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team.
We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.
Further information will be shared in due course."
After an initial statement from ECB confusion prevailed as they used the term "forfeited" implying that the five-match Test series has ended in a 2-2 draw. Later the statement was altered and the word "forfeited" was removed.
Things will become clear when BCCI publishes an official statement regarding the same.
The series result would not have been of great significance in the pre-World Test Championship era but since the WTC cycle has begun, each Test win has its impact on the final points table of WTC.
In the latest update, PTI reported that the cancelled fifth and final match can be played later.