No spectators ban for England-India Test series

No strict bio-bubble will be enforced for the England-India Test series starting next month, despite the growing impact of coronavirus cases and close contact isolation on English cricket. Not only this, there will be no restriction on the arrival of spectators on the field. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Harrison has confirmed that the governing body will not reintroduce a strict bio-bubble for the Test series against India.

The number of cases of corona infection in England has increased significantly in the last few weeks, due to the easing of restrictions in the country. Only on July 14, 42302 new cases of corona infection were confirmed. Apart from this, more than 520000 people who came in contact with infected people were identified by the NHS (National Health Service) Track and Trace app till 7 July.

Despite the rising number of infections and its impact on international and domestic cricket, Harrison says the well-being of England’s players means the ECB will not re-enact the strict bio-bubble regime as of last summer, which has restricted their movement. And freedom was completely restricted.

A relaxed atmosphere has been created this summer season, allowing players to exercise outside hotels in designated areas while also spending time with families. The crowd has also been allowed to enter the ground.

It is noteworthy that last week before the first ODI against Pakistan last week, seven members of England’s original team were hit by the corona virus. This forced the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to announce a revised squad, with Ben Stokes as the captain. Now India’s Test team is also facing this problem. Ahead of the five-match Test series against England in Durham, Rishabh Pant and team’s training assistant Dayanand Garani have been found infected with Corona.