England vs India 2021: ECB Chief Tom Harrison Hints At Manchester Test Being Held Next Summer

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Tom Harrison has hinted at the possibility of holding the Manchester Test sometime next summer. The fifth and final Test between England and India was cancelled on Friday due to Covid fears in the Indian camp.

The decision was announced just two hours prior to the start of the match. ECB released a statement that claimed the match was forfeited by India but it was deleted soon after. The English board is set to lose around 40 million euros because of the cancellation.

The BCCI, however, has offered to reschedule the Test and also include two additional T20Is the next time they tour England in order to compensate for the losses. A decision is yet to be reached but ECB chief Tom Harrison suggested it might be held next summer.

“This is not a situation which has been created by the rescheduled IPL. India simply felt that they got to a point where they weren’t able to take to the field. That is understandable. We will try to reschedule this long-awaited Emirates Old Trafford Test next summer,” Harrison mentioned.

“Refunds to ticket holders will be issued shortly” – Tom Harrison

The series was poised perfectly with the Indian team leading the hosts England by 2-1. The tickets for the final Test in Manchester were sold out but the unfortunate abrupt ending left the fans displeased. Since the decision was also announced very late in the morning, some fans were unhappy having spent money for travelling but Tom Harrison assured them that at the least the ticket price would be refunded very soon.

“Today’s news will have been so frustrating, especially given the short notice. Please know that we worked through the night to find solutions and avoid this outcome. Refunds to ticket holders will be issued shortly, and although this will be no consolation to many, we will try to reschedule this long-awaited Emirates Old Trafford Test next summer,” he added.

As of now, the series stands at 2-1 and the result of the fifth Test hasn’t been determined. The ECB has formally asked the ICC to resolve the dispute and announce the outcome of the match.

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