New Delhi: The fifth and final Test of the India vs England Test series, scheduled to be played at Manchester's Old Trafford, had to be cancelled due to Coronavirus scare. India was leading the series 2-1 and after witnessing a thrilling end to the Oval Test, all eyes were on the decider at Manchester, but in the end the fans were disappointed as the series got called-off.
The BCCI had said in a statement that they cannot, in any way, compromise with the safety of players. BCCI now wants to reschedule the Manchester Test and its decision has been warmly welcomed by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.
"We as Indians should never forget that the England team came back after the horrific attacks of 2008. They would have been perfectly entitled to say 'we are not comfortable to come back'.
"So, we should never forget that Kevin Pietersen led the team and he was the main man. If KP had said 'no I don't want to go' that would have been the end of the tour. It was because KP convinced the others that the team came and we had that fantastic Test match in Chennai where India chased down 380 on Day 5 to win," Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network.
The then visiting England, under Kevin Pietersen's leadership was playing an ODI match against India in Cuttack when terrorists had attacked Mumbai in 2008, on November 26. After this, the last two ODIs of the seven-match series were cancelled. England immediately decided to go home. But later returned for a two-Test series in which India won 1–0.
"That gesture of the ECB must be remembered," former Indian opener said.