ENG vs IND: Fifth Test to go ahead after India players return negative for COVID-19 tests

Xtra Time Web Desk: After hours of speculation throughout the day, the fifth Test between England and India on Friday will go ahead as scheduled after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced there have been no further positive COVID-19 tests in the Indian camp.

Earlier on Thursday, India’s practice session at Old Trafford ahead of the fifth and final Test was cancelled on Thursday after a member of their support staff tested positive for Covid-19. Second physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive on Wednesday and practice was cancelled as the team were awaiting the results of a fresh round of tests carried out on Thursday morning.

India head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive during the fourth Test at The Kia Oval and has since been isolating with bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar and physiotherapist Nitin Patel.

India lead 2-1 in the five-Test series after winning the Oval Test by 157 runs. The final Test begins on Friday at Emirates Old Trafford.

England test vice captain Jos Buttler said, England had their “fingers crossed” that the fifth Test would go ahead.

England completed their own pre-match preparations shortly after midday and are were hoping the fixture goes ahead as planned.

“At present we’re fully expecting the game to go ahead and we’re preparing to play tomorrow. Fingers crossed the game will go ahead,” said vice-captain Buttler.