Ahead of the four-test series against England that begins on February 5, Team India players were spotted on the field at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, the venue for the first two tests. All players, including Virat Kohli, who is rejoining the team after going on paternity leave during the Australia series, were tested negative for COVID-19 prior to starting the practice session. As they have completed their six-day quarantine, players are allowed to begin training camps at the location.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared some pictures from the team’s first outdoor training session on Twitter and Instagram. “Out and about at The Chepauk after 6 days of quarantine,” the caption from its posts read.
Out and about at The Chepauk after 6 days of quarantine.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/mt7FShNFrb
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2021
The test series against England is expected to be high in intensity following India’s heroics down-under and England’s series sweep against Sri Lanka just a few weeks ago. This will be India’s first international cricket series at home since the coronavirus pandemic hit the country early last year.
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Though crowds are not allowed for the first test, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and BCCI have formally agreed to allow spectators in the stadium for the second test with the capacity capped at 50 per cent.
It’s currently unclear if the same protocol will apply for the Ahmedabad and Pune leg of the series with the former hosting the last two tests and five T20Is while Pune is expected to host the three-match ODI series starting March 23.
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England’s tour of India will formally draw to a close on March 28 at the conclusion of the final ODI at Pune. However, several England players are expected to stay back for the start of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League.
The IPL was held in the United Arab Emirates last year due to COVID-19 related restrictions. Current reports suggest that the IPL Governing Council has set a tentative start date of April 11, 2021, for IPL 14. There’s no word on whether the BCCI or the IPL Governing Council will allow spectators for this year’s IPL.
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