New Delhi: India will play a one-off Test match against England next year in order to compensate the abandoned Test in Manchester earlier this month. Sources in BCCI told ABP News that Ind vs Eng one-off Test will be played next summer. Will it be the continuation of the called off series or just a one off Test, that answer is yet to come. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is in London at the moment and sources said that he had a discussion with the ECB officials regarding the same.
India may play 3 T20 matches against England along with a Test match next summer and Manchester is all set to host that Test. Though it is not yet announced but in all probability the one off test could be the continuation of the series that couldn't have been decided because of the abandoned Test in Manchester.
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.
ECB's Statement on cancelation of Ind vs Eng Manchester Test:
"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.