England and India have said that they will play a Test in England in the summer of 2022. It will reportedly replace the 5th Test at Old Trafford that was called off earlier this month due to certain COVID-19 positive cases. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the match in 2022 will be a standalone game or will it complete the five-match Test series that started in August.

Whatever be the case, ESPNCricinfo reports that the 2022 match will avert a major part of financial losses that were incurred by the England and Wales Cricket Board. The 2022 Test will reportedly dash any disagreements between the ECB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)about the called-off Manchester Test.

After the Test was scrapped, discussions happened over the possibility of the Test be replaced by two T20s. This is supposed to be convenient for both teams as India will already be in the United Kingdom for a limited-overs tour.

Cricinfo, in its report, added that the space in the cricketing schedule was agreed for the Test and it is likely to complete the England vs India Test series.

“Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team,” an ECB statement read, regarding the shelving of the fifth Test.

“Following ongoing conversations with the BCCI, the ECB can confirm that the fifth LV= Insurance Test between England and India Men due to start today at Emirates Old Trafford, will be cancelled. We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the ECB received a proposal from Cricket Australia (CA) that outlined their plans for England during the Ashes. While the details of plans are yet to be confirmed, it is believed that the plans are chalked out in a good manner. Those include details of quarantine and the requirements for bio-bubbles throughout the series.

This is done to not witness any withdrawals from the England squad that had been feared.