Picture : BCCI/ Twitter
The first Test between India and England will mark the resumption of international cricket in the cricket-loving nation after a gap of more than 11 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. India’s ODI series against South Africa was called-off following the coronavirus outbreak in the country in March last year. The first ODI of the three-match series was washed out due to rain in Dharamshala.
India last played Sri Lanka in front of the home crowd in a T20I clash in Pune, January last year. The first Test will be played behind closed doors while the second Test will have 50 per cent crowd in attendance, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) secretary confirmed on Tuesday. Both the Tests will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Virat Kohli-led side is on higher morale as compared to England, who are coming after a 2-0 series win against depleted Sri Lanka. Both the teams are fighting for a finals spot in the World Test Championship (WTC). New Zealand on Tuesday had become the first team to qualify for the inaugural ICC WTC final as the Test series between Australia and South Africa was postponed. The Kiwis will now be joined by either India, England or Australia in the WTC finals.
To book their place in the WTC finals scheduled from June 18-22, India will have to win the series against England by 2-1, 2-0, 3-1, 3-0, or 4-0, margin. For England to qualify and join New Zealand, they will have to win the series against India by 3-1, 3-0, or 4-0 margin.
