Picture Credit: Twitter
In a major development, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has agreed to BCCI's demand of scheduling two tour matches against county teams. As a result, Team India will first play a four day fixture against an unnamed county team. Then, the Virat Kohli-led team will be involved in a 3-day game against County Select XI.
After defeat in the WTC final against New Zealand, Indian players are currently undergoing a two week holiday break in different parts of England. While Rohit Sharma and family were seen at an amusement park in the United Kingdom, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were seen enjoying a breakfast together in their latest social media picture. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant is using the break to watch some live football action and was seen watching England vs Germany match at Wembley Stadium in London.
Indian team to reassemble in Durham for Pre-Test Camp on July 15
According to latest reports, the Indian team will reassemble in Durham shortly for their Pre-Test Camp on July 15. After which, both the tour matches will be organized at Chester-le-Street, County Durham.
“We are working through the operations and COVID-19 protocols to ensure we are able to deliver this and will confirm in due course,” said an ECB spokesperson to Daily Mail.
The Indian Test team will report to Emirates Riverside, Durham for their pre-Test camp on July 15 and will prepare at the venue until August 1 before heading to Trent Bridge, Nottingham ahead of the first Test starting on August 4.
Initially, India was scheduled to play against India A squad in two warm up matches. But due to Covid-19 related issues, the India A team tour to England was cancelled. After which it was decided that Team India will play two intra-squad matches. However, after a below-par performance against New Zealand in WTC final, BCCI had requested ECB to arrange two tour matches for the Men in Blue.