Xtra Time Web Desk: Newly built Saradar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad will host Day Night test match against England next year from February 24-28. The schedule for England Men’s tour of India was confirmed on Thursday. England will play four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs in February and March 2021 across three venues. The touring party will arrive on 27 January directly into Chennai from Colombo.
The first two Tests of the tour will take place in Chennai on 5-9 February and 13-17 February at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The third and fourth Tests will be staged on 24-28 February and 4-8 March at the redeveloped Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, which opened earlier this year and is the largest cricket stadium in the world with a capacity of 110,000.
The third Test will be a day-night match, and this will be the first time both countries have played each other in a day-night Test.
The white-ball leg of the tour commences with five T20Is all taking place at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad from 12 March to the 20 March. Eoin Morgan’s men will conclude the tour in Pune with three ODIs taking place on 23 March, 26 March and 28 March at the MCA Stadium.
Commenting on the schedule, BCCI Honorary Secretary Jay Shah said, “The BCCI prioritises health and safety of both teams and will leave no stone unturned to make sure that the tour is held adhering to all safety protocols agreed by the BCCI and ECB medical teams.
“Both Boards have worked closely to put together an exciting series that promises to provide high octane action between two powerhouses of world cricket.
“This will be India’s first bilateral series at home since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the home season will bring back joy to cricket fans.”
According to Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, “International cricket between India and England is a highlight of the cricketing calendar and always attracts significant levels of interest from fans around the world.
“We have been delighted with the planning that has been undertaken by the BCCI to ensure the three venues in Chennai, Ahmadabad and Pune will be ready to host international cricket in a bio-secure environment and look forward to working closely with them over the coming weeks to finalise those plans.
“The prospect of becoming the first international side to play at the magnificent Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad adds an extra dimension to the tour and I know will be something that is a highlight for both the players and management.”
Full Itinerary of England in India:
Test Matches
February 5-9: 1st Test – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
February 13-17: 2nd Test – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
February 24-28: 3rd Test – Saradar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
March 4-8: 4th Test – Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
T20Is
March 12: 1st T20I – Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
March 14: 2nd T20I – Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
March 16: 3rd T20I – Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
March 18: 4th T20I – Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
March 20: 5th T20I – Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
ODIs
March 23: 1st ODI – MCA Stadium, Pune
March 26: 2nd ODI – MCA Stadium, Pune
March 28: 3rd ODI – MCA Stadium, Pune