After months of ifs and buts, it seems cricket is finally all set to return. England and Wales Cricket Board has announced the schedule for the Test series between England and West Indies. All the three-Test matches will be played behind closed doors and at bio-secure venues.
Earlier the series between the two the sides was slated to be played between 4-29 June. The original three venues that were supposed to host the series were Lord’s, Edgbaston and The Oval.
England vs West India: Full Schedule Announced
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour of West Indies was postponed. Finally, after a testing couple of months, news of cricket returning would certainly make everyone happy.
The entire schedule of the England-West Indies series
First Test: England vs West Indies 8-12 July, Southampton
Second Test: England vs West Indies 16-20 July, Old Trafford
Third Test: England vs West Indies 24-28 July, Old Trafford
The West Indies team will arrive on June 9 and will be based at Old Trafford for their initial quarantine period and then training. This is a major step, and this will send a positive message to cricket boards all around the world to resume the sport.
“We are in daily dialogue with government and our medical team. These are our proposed dates and they remain subject to government approval”, said ECB director of events Steve Elworthy.
Last week, the England and Wales Cricket Board asked a group of 55 players to return to their outdoor training. The ECB has also said that a decision on future matches in the country will be taken later. The domestic county season in England that was originally scheduled to start from 12th April has been already delayed till August 1.