Xtra Time Web Desk: The cancellation of the fifth and final Test between India and England at Old Trafford due to fears of more COVID-19 cases in Indian camp was described as “absolute shame” by former cricketers. The Test was cancelled just a couple of hours before the toss after India were left on tenterhooks following physio Yogesh Parmar’s positive COVID-19 test that led to concerns that the infection could spread during the match.
“This is such a shame – as it’s been a wonderful series!,” Australian spin legend Shane Warne wrote on his Twitter handle on the cancellation of the Old Trafford Test.
Former England batting great Kevin Pietersen said there should not be fingers pointed on the Indians for deciding not to play the Test.
“England left the tour of SA for Covid scares & cost CSA plenty, so don’t go pointing fingers!,” he tweeted.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “India have let English Cricket down!!! But England did let South African Cricket down!!!”
Another former England captain Nasser Hussain said after both sides and the game of cricket went through this summer, it would have been nice to finish the series off.
“The bubble time they have done and everything that has been done to get this series on, it’s a real shame that it has to end on such a low note,” he said on Sky Sports.
Former England woman player Isa Guha tweeted: “Mad times. Some questions – what happens to the points/how does the series end? If not forfeited? Will there be a chance to complete it another time?”