Eoin Morgan, Babar Azam, England, Pakistan
Eoin Morgan, Babar Azam.(Photo: Twitter)

The second ODI between England and Pakistan, on July 10, Saturday, will see a return of the full-capacity crowd at the Lord’s. This would be the first time the iconic stadium will host a full crowd since the epic 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand, which the hosts won in a thriller via the boundary count rule after the regular game and the super over were tied.

England, who are currently hosting Sri Lanka, will host Babar Azam’s side for 3 ODIs, starting July 8, followed by 3 T20Is.

The Lord’s ODI is included in the UK government’s Event Research Programme (ERP). The UK is seeing fans return to stadiums for international cricket last month in the Test series against New Zealand. Fans filled the stadiums partially in the two Tests at Lord’s and Edgbaston.

England vs New Zealand 2021
Lord’s. Photo Credit: (Getty Images)

The ECB had announced earlier that limited-overs fixtures against Sri Lanka and Pakistan would be included in the ERP as the UK continues to work towards the total lifting of Covid-related restrictions, which is scheduled for July 19; on Monday, Warwickshire announced that they would stage the third ODI against Pakistan in front of an 80% full Edgbaston.

According to ESPNcricinfo, people over the age of 11 would be “required to provide either proof of a recent negative lateral flow test, proof of full vaccination, or proof of natural immunity via a negative PCR test result taken in the last 180 days”. While no social distancing would be needed, fans are expected to wear masks while moving around.

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England look to seal ODI series versus Sri Lanka

England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview
England. Photo Credit: (Getty Images)

After annihilating the Lankan side 3-0 in the T20I series last week, Eoin Morgan’s team will be looking to seal the ODI series as well on Thursday in the second ODI having bullied them in the first one.

Holding a middle-order hiccup, in the first ODI in Chester-le-Street, Joe Root steered the chase with a smooth fifty, after the bowler had bowled the visitors out for 185.

Kennington Oval hosts the second ODI, and England are well favourites to take the series; the third and last ODI is slated for Sunday at County Ground, Bristol.

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