India (H) 2021

[Andy]

The BCCI have said that they're working with the ECB to re-schedule:

"the BCCI has offered to ECB a rescheduling of the cancelled Test match. Both the Boards will work towards finding a window to reschedule this Test match."

There is a wide open window when India are here for white ball games next summer. A farewell for a 40 year old Jimmy Anderson?

The 2022 schedule is packed enough as it is: India shouldn’t be touring here IMHO because they’ve had their turn and the other two countries should be given more matches.  We have had the Australians over here too often in the recent past, it only breeds contempt.

 Of course, they won’t be packed out for a New Zealand test…

[nat]

Test not forfeited so series outcome to be decided later according to BBC. Clearly IPL deemed far more important.

Not altogether surprising. There were outbreaks during the 100, clearly money talks again. TBH I’m surprised that they organised a fifth test given the IPL starts in just over a week.

If you remember, the BCCI never wanted this Test match to take place. Too close to the IPL.

[dazedpenguin]

The 2022 schedule is packed enough as it is: India shouldn’t be touring here IMHO because they’ve had their turn and the other two countries should be given more matches.  We have had the Australians over here too often in the recent past, it only breeds contempt.

 Of course, they won’t be packed out for a New Zealand test…

A lot more money in the India games of course. I wouldn't be surprised if they tour here every year. There's room in August for a re-scheduled test, even with a separate white ball squad if needs be. The ECB could recover some of the money they've splashed on The Hundred.

[smandlej]

Hardly a Test 'series' is it, if it's played in different years.

They should call the match abandoned and draw the series.

Lynda

[pablo]

The whole thing stinks. Abandoned just to preserve the IPL. Too bad for those who have taken leave to watch it, bought train and match tickets, and maybe hotel accommodation too. The future of this sport, indeed all sport as we know it is at a crossroads - at least entirely in the hands of those who wield untold wealth and want more.
They'll all be available for the IPL covid or no covid.

[Andy]

I would like to congratulate Tom Harrison for a most convincing performance in front of the cameras today. The ability to say "this has nothing to do with the IPL" ranks with Sir Laurence Olivier's Othello or any TOWIE performer.

He could make a fortune advising errant husbands in how to deal with suspicious wives.

[firehazard]

I would like to congratulate Tom Harrison for a most convincing performance in front of the cameras today. The ability to say "this has nothing to do with the IPL" ranks with Sir Laurence Olivier's Othello ...

Absolutely. Nailed on for next year's BAFTAs, I'd say.

[bwildered]

England v India: Postponed fifth Test to be held at Edgbaston in July 2022.
Just not the same, players in and out of different form as per previous .

Perhaps this IS this the solution to test cricket, play one test against different countries  over 3 or five years to complete the test series .

[nat]

England v India: Postponed fifth Test to be held at Edgbaston in July 2022.
Just not the same, players in and out of different form as per previous .

Perhaps this IS this the solution to test cricket, play one test against different countries  over 3 or five years to complete the test series .

Couldn't play it at Old Trafford because there is a concert booked. A sign of the times...

[oldhasbeen]

England v India: Postponed fifth Test to be held at Edgbaston in July 2022.
Just not the same, players in and out of different form as per previous .

Perhaps this IS this the solution to test cricket, play one test against different countries  over 3 or five years to complete the test series .

And this change has SEROIOUSLY pissed off those of us who'd bought tickets for the England/Pakistan ODI which has now been replaced by a T20 bish-bash, with a high-handed email from Edgbaston to inform us of the fact. Not a word of apology or a discount for anything by way of compensation, but they will deign to give refunds provided we act quickly. How very jolly decent of them!

[bwildered]

Yes the final, fifth test. Sign of times ahead ?
How about three match Test series over five years, yes know it is crazy, but every other year could have a summer of a one off test against Aussies, India, NZ, Windies and Pakistan ! Alternate seasons for World Cup formats.

[bwildered]

Bumrah day for England. Totally lost the plot with the tail and again opening in reply. Still two openers required, although the insistence of the Captain that they have places, seems must be harder to get in the side than out, runs are still needed from the top order to continue to be successful with this brand of positive cricket.
Perhaps in the new golden era, time for Salt and Hales to get the opening slots !
Might require Lawrence to move up to open for Essex, ( like  Goochie effectively did ) to gain back a place in the test side, with the middle order pretty much set if all available.

[Bath Hammer]

The first 3  batsmen HAVE to establish a platform & if the middle order are going to play aggressively they have to do so with half a brain. Stoker’s approach yesterday was plain daft & he effectively threw his wicket away leading to inevitable defeat. Also this ridiculous idea of bowling short pitched deliveries to the tale is crazy. That final over by Broad wasn’t bad luck, it was senseless. There has to be some pragmatism mixed in with all out attack for this approach to not end up on the scrap heap.

[bwildered]

 Good platform this time with hundred on the board, makes such a huge difference. Now is not the time to throw wickets away searching for victory and getting into trouble.  The last two games England have finished, Foakes has been at the crease to see the victory home, someone else just needs to get us to the finishing line with a steady not out.

[bwildered]

 Tourists only have themselves to blame. If they have completed the test series, which they were well on top, last year, could have easily got a draw or win, with several players in form.
 Now due to the Bazball, England have levelled the series in dominate fashion, riding  on the previous NZ test series victory.
The bubble has to burst sometime in the future, perhaps being inserted first might just slow the juggernaut down, but at the present time it has been a wonderful effort in belief and confidence to come through to a new found England side.
Bring on the Boers.