England to host West Indies for three test matches

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced that it will host the Wes Indies for a three-match test series in July, pending clearance from the government. The first signs of cricket returning in a post-COVID world had come a few days ago when Cricket Australia announced an elaborate schedule for its 2020/21 season. With the ECB now willing to host West Indies, it is sure to be a cause of much joy to the cricketing fraternity, although the games will be played behind closed doors.

The Ageas Bowl in Southampton will host the first test match, while the second and third tests will be played at the Old Trafford in Manchester. With new challenges acting as hurdles to the game being plated, ECB has made sure it will leave no stone unturned when it comes to safety measures. The West Indies’ squad is scheduled to arrive in the country on the 9th of June, upon which they will be quarantined for a period of two weeks. They are currently slated to be accommodated at the Old Trafford where they will train for three weeks. The three-test series is scheduled to begin on the 8th of July.

The ECB took various parameters such as bio-security, medical screening/testing provision, footprint to enable social distancing, and venue/cricket operations before finalizing the venues, which would create a bio-secure environment. "Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders including players, match officials, operational staff, essential venue staff, broadcasters and media," Steve Elworthy, ECB's director of events, said. "We are in daily dialogue with Government and our medical team, who have been incredibly supportive during this period. These are our proposed dates and they remain subject to UK Government approval.

Elworthy also expressed gratitude towards the West Indies team which has agreed to tour England. "We would like to thank Cricket West Indies for their co-operation and dedication in making this tour a reality, and we all look forward to the prospect of cricket returning in the coming weeks,” he concluded.