The historic Chepauk stadium will open three of its stands for the second Test match between India and England at this iconic venue. Chennai was assigned to host the first two Tests of the four-match series with first game underway already. England play India between February 5 to March 28 for four Tests, five T20Is, and three ODIs. Chennai will host the first two Tests. The final two Tests will be played at the newly built stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad will host the T20I series followed by Pune for the ODI series.

Chepauk To Open Three Stands For Second Test

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association had previously said no to BCCI’s request to allow fans for the first two Test matches. However, now the TNCA Secretary S Ramasamy has confirmed about the entry of fans after getting an official mail from the BCCI. It will open three of its stands I, J, and K which will accommodate the fans for the second Test. Those three stands at the Chepauk were sealed after the 2011 World Cup due to reconstruction. 

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The England and Wales Cricket Board too was firm on their stand to not allow cricket fans inside the stadium for the Test matches at Chepauk as they did in the series against Sri Lanka in Galle. However, now they too have taken a U-Turn on their decision and said that they would cooperate with the hosts.

“We were always comfortable (having crowds). We want to support BCCI’s plans and protocols. We are collaborating and we are waiting to hear from them,” the spokesman said on Sunday.

As far as the first Test is concerned, England was finally bowled out for 578 in the first hour of day 3 after which India are inching closer to 300 runs in their first innings. India were 73 for four at one stage before Rishabh Pant (91) and Cheteshwar Pujara (73) adding a 119 run-stand for the fifth wicket and bringing back India into the contest. 

Also Read: BCCI Likely To Allow Crowds In Second India-England Test in Chennai