India and England have agreed to play a test match in Manchester next year. The game is likely to replace the abandoned 5th test of the series between the two countries held this year. India were never really crowned the winners of the series since there was a chance that a fifth test would be played, after they led the series 2-1 after four tests.
It hasn’t been confirmed by either cricket board whether the match will be a standalone game or a part of the series. If it is a part of the abandoned series, it will surely be one of the largest gaps between two games of a single series.
India were unable to field a team following the chaotic situation that came about abroad. There was a series of coronavirus cases that were detected within the Indian contingent, which included head coach Ravi Shastri.
The Indian players tested negative for covid, but they refused to play the final test. There have been background talks between the two boards ever since and there are also rumours that the two teams could face off in a T20 series next year as well.
The BCCI had earlier stated that it had regular conversation with the ECB to try and find a way to play the fifth test in Manchester. However, the situation prevented the game from going through and following further indication from Harsha Bhogle on Twitter, it seems like the game is on, one way or another.
