India’s backroom staff tested positive for Covid
England’s fifth Test against India at Old Trafford has been cancelled after a number of India’s backroom staff tested positive for Covid, according to reports.
India has forfeited the match, meaning the series is drawn 2-2.
India was unable to field a team because they fear further cases spreading through their squad, the BBC reported.
The news comes after head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive during India’s fourth Test win. That led to bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar and physiotherapist Nitin Pate having to isolate.
On Thursday, another member of the backroom staff tested positive.
“We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news,” a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board said, adding: “We know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.”
Head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive during India’s fourth Test win. The led to bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar and physiotherapist Nitin Pate having to isolate.
On Thursday, another member of the backroom staff tested positive.
India cancelled Thursday’s training session, but a subsequent round of testing showed no positive results among players and it was declared that the Test would go ahead as planned.
Friday’s announcement was made just over two hours before it was due to begin in Manchester.
More to follow
