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ToggleThe England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in agreement with each other decided to postpone India A tour of England which was supposed to happen alongside the Indian senior side starting on June this year.
India is supposed to travel to England in June, first for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), which they will play against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand, and will be hosted at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
After the conclusion of this match, the Indian team will continue to stay in England for a five-Test series which begins on August 4 and concludes on September 14. Earlier, it was being reported that India had opted to practice against the India A team which would be touring England with them, instead of playing county sides for practice ahead of the Test series.
India A Tour To England Postponed
ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “We are looking forward to staging a memorable summer of men’s and women’s international cricket when fans are set to return to venues. Ensuring the safest possible environment for international cricket is our first priority and we are appreciative for the understanding of our fellow boards.”
“We look forward to welcoming a men’s India A tour at a later date after this summer and when restrictions have eased. It will provide a valuable opportunity for players from both countries to experience high-quality cricket and to showcase the talent within our England Lions team and first-class counties,” he added.
India’s Warm-Up Schedule Will Now Comprise Two Intra-Squad Four-Day Matches
This change means that the Indian team will now reportedly carry a larger squad enough to play intra-squad matches for practice. India’s warm-up schedule will now comprise two intra-squad four-day matches, which will replace the two previously planned four-day fixtures between India Men and India A in July. Venues for those two intra-squad matches are to be confirmed.
England will host India for five Tests at Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Emerald Headingley, the Kia Oval, and Emirates Old Trafford with the first game starting from August 4.