The coronavirus epidemic has halted the cricket action from a long time but finally there is some good news for the fans. The English Cricket Board has released its cricket schedule against the West Indies amid the threat of Coronavirus. This mean that the stalled cricket activities due to this terrible epidemic will be back on track after these two teams take on each other. The three-match Test series, to be played between July 8 and 28, will take place behind closed doors that means no spectator will be allowed to enter the stadium. However, before this series, the England Cricket Board will have to get permission from the government to host the series.
The ECB plans to host the first Test at the Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton from July 8-12, with Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium hosting the second and third Test from July 16-20 and July 24-28 respectively. Edgbaston cricket stadium is chosen as the training and contingency venue.
“The West Indies squad will arrive in the UK on Tuesday 9 June, travelling to Emirates Old Trafford for quarantining and training. This will be their base for a three-week period before moving to the Ageas Bowl for the start of the first Test,” said England Cricket Board in a statement.
Both teams start their preparations
Cricket fans from all over the world will be eyeing this series and now both the teams have also tightened their belts to put in every effort to put up a commendable show for the fans who will be gearing up for the return of cricket. Last Friday, England announced a training group of 55 players, including 14 young players.
The series should have started at The Oval in South London on Thursday, with the second and third Tests originally scheduled for Edgbaston and Lord’s. But the fixtures which will now be played behind closed doors- which were moved to the Rose Bowl and Old Trafford for reasons of bio-security. Both grounds possess on-site hotels where players and officials can be closely monitored for any signs of COVID-19.
