The ongoing Indian tour of England has been a fascinating test series. It started with a tame draw but then we had a superb Indian win followed by an innings defeat for Virat Kohli’s men followed by another terrific win. Indian fans were looking forward to the fifth match with the Indians comfortably placed in a position from where they cannot lose the series. Now, however, the fifth test stands cancelled.
Indian fans were looking forward to the fifth and last test match, expecting that the Indian players would once again decimate the opposition.
There was news of the Indians not wanting to go ahead with the 5th test. While some cited COVID as the reason, other sources said this was because of the IPL that is due to resume soon.
As of now there is some confusion about what this means. Is the match cancelled, postponed or does this count as forfeiture?
Social media posts are alleging that the Indian players have been seen at crowded public events. According to the official statement issued by the English Cricket Board, "Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team."
Many English fans are annoyed that India chose not to go on with the fifth test – especially while in an advantageous position.
Indian fans were sure that India would win the fifth test as well. Naturally they felt something like this.
There are many in India that subsist on a steady diet of bat & ball. They are disappointed to have this weekend’s sporting action snatched away from them.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s fans would have finally got to see him in action after being benched for the previous test matches. They are disappointed.
For those not in the know, Jarvo or Jarvo69 is Daniel Jarvis, a YouTuber who has invaded the pitch more than once during the test series and is then seen to be escorted off by security personnel.
Jarvo is often seen invading the pitch dressed in jerseys of Indian players and has earned himself a good bit of notoriety.
If the fifth test went India’s way it would have decided a clear winner in India and England winning would level the series 2-2.
Even former players are wondering whether the BCCI’s decision to cancel the fifth match counts as forfeiture by India... and whether this would mean a victory for England.
In a world where the format of cricket is getting more and more truncated, this series reignited interest in the five day format.
According to reports, the cricket boards of both countries will try and reschedule the remaining (5th test) match for some later date. Meanwhile, this leaves Indian players free to prepare for and arrive well in time for the remaining IPL matches in the UAE. The chronology seems important. As do priorities.
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