India vs England 2021: First 2 Tests Will Be Behind Closed Doors At Chennai

England And India’s first 2 Tests will be behind closed doors at Chennai as no fans will be allowed as a precautionary measure against the dreaded coronavirus. The first Test will be played from February 5 to 9 and the second one from February 13 to 17. It is believed that the second half of the Test series could see fans coming in at Ahmedabad.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has informed its members that no tickets would be put on sale for the first two Tests between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as both the games will be played behind closed doors.

England And India’s First 2 Tests Between February 5-17 Will Be Held Behind Closed Doors As Per BCCI Directive : TNCA Secretary

In the circular, accessed by ANI, TNCA secretary RS Ramasaamy has notified the members that the decision has been taken keeping in mind the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic which has taken lives of thousands across the globe.

“In view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, BCCI has decided not to take any kind of risk with the safety of the players during the forthcoming India-England Test series. The players, officials will be undergoing strict quarantine and several rounds of COVID-19 tests before entering the bio-bubble. As per BCCI directive, the first two Tests between February 5-17 being held at MA Chidambaram Stadium will take place behind closed doors,” he wrote. “TNCA will not be issuing tickets or sub-committee badges.”

Earlier, ANI had reported that the first two Tests at Chennai will be having no fans as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus.

Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya And Ishant Sharma Returns While KL Rahul Picked Subject To Fitness

The Indian selectors led by Chetan Sharma named the squad for the first two Tests against England at Chennai. Skipper Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Ishant Sharma have made their way back into the squad. KL Rahul has been picked subject to fitness.

Virat Kohli played only 1st Test and headed home on paternity leave in 4 Test series against Australia while Ishant Sharma missed out due to injury from which he later recovered. Hardik Pandya wasn’t named in Australia Test series as he doesn’t bowl often nowadays for back pain.

While Virat Kohli was set to return after missing the last three Tests against Australia as he had taken paternity leave, Hardik Pandya’s inclusion comes on the back of him working overtime on his fitness after returning from the Australia limited-overs series. His inability to bowl was a major concern for the team management.

Ishant Sharma, who had missed the Test series against Australia has also made his way back into the squad on the back of some quality performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which is a T20 tournament, but it showed that he is match-fit. Spinner Axar Patel has also made his way into the Test squad for the first two matches for first time while T Natarajan who played his debut Test against Australia has not been included for the England Tests.

The first two games of the 4-game series are to be played in Chennai before the cricketers move to Ahmedabad for the third and fourth Test.