England vs India: Virat Kohli's Special Request REFUSED by ECB - Reports

The five-Test series between England and India has ended disappointedly after the two cricketing heavyweights left no stone unturned and matched each other blow for blow. However, with just three matches being played in the series, the Virat Kohli-led side was leading the series 2-1 until the COVID-19 scare forced boards of both nations to cancel the last match of the series.

ECB denies Virat Kohli’s special request

The fifth and the final Test of the series between England and India came under a cloud as soon as Team Indian physio Yogesh Parmar returned positive COVID-19 test. With him testing positive for the deadly virus, there were reports that the match will be postponed or forfeited, which also led to heated arguments between the two boards of the respective nations.

As per the reports in DNA, It is learned that the India skipper Virat Kohli had requested ECB to move the Test match couple of days ahead however, England’s governing body turned down his request and in a mutual decision with BCCI called off the Old Trafford match.

Despite the Indian players returning negative COVID-19 test on the evening of the fifth Test match the final Test match of the series was indefinitely called off just two hours before the start as it is learned that few Indian players were complacent about taking part in the match. As of now the series remains stranded at 2-1 with the visitors in lead.

England vs India: BCCI in talks with ECB to reschedule the last Test match

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement and stated that the match between the two nations has been called off and added that BCCI has offered ECB to reschedule the series and both the boards will work together and find a window to reschedule the last match of the series.

“The BCCI and ECB held several rounds of discussion to find a way to play the Test Match, however, the outbreak of Covid-19 in the Indian team contingent forced the decision of calling off the Old Trafford Test Match. In lieu of the strong relationship between BCCI and ECB, the BCCI has offered to ECB a rescheduling of the cancelled Test match. Both the Boards will work towards finding a window to reschedule this Test match.

With the second phase of IPL 2021 slated to be played from 19th September followed by a jam-packed international schedule, there is likely no possible window this year in which the test match can be rescheduled. However, with Team India set to tour England for the white-ball series next year, the two governing bodies can consider that window. Although no official confirmation yet, it remains to be seen when will the Test match take place.

For daily fantasy sports tips on your mobile phone, Fill out the form below