COVID scare; India vs England Manchester Test called off

London: The fifth and final Test between India and England at Old Trafford was called off just hours before the scheduled start of play on Friday.

In a statement, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the fifth LV= Insurance Test between England and India due to start on Friday 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 unable to field a team," said the statement.

"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," the statement further read.

The development comes on the back of intense discussions between the Indian cricket board (BCCI) and the ECB after India's assistant physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar returned a positive Covid-19 test on Thursday.

Though the players tested negative, the 96-hour incubation period also factored in. Reports quoting BCCI sources said that players didn't want to risk testing positive and ending in 10-day quarantine

A COVID-related quarantine would have meant missing out on IPL matches, starting September 19.

Meanwhile, the ECB which earlier said in its statement that India will forfeit the match ending the series 2-2 as it is unable to field a team has revised its statement removing reference to forfeit by visiting team.

India lead the series 2-1 after a 157-run win in the fourth Test at the Oval in London.