Pataudi Trophy 2021: Indians were 'dead scared' during Manchester Test, clarifies Sourav Ganguly

The fifth Test between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester was called off due to COVID fears in the Indian camp. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly clarified that the Indians were "dead scared" to take the field.

Team Newsable

Kolkata, First Published Sep 13, 2021, 2:05 PM IST

The cricketing world continues to talk about the called-off fifth Test between India and England due to COVID fears in the Indian camp. After team physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive a day before the Test, the Indians refused to take the field, leading to the Test being called off.

While the England and Wales Cricket Board continues to fight over the Test result with the International Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked it to reschedule the Test to July next year, when India tours again for the limited-overs contests. However, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has backed India's decision to pull out, stating that the players were "dead scared" to take the field.

Speaking to The Telegraph India, Ganguly admitted that while the Test has been cancelled, a substantial loss has been suffered by the ECB. While both the boards would be discussing things further to settle the issue, he has confirmed that the rescheduled Test next year would not be a continuation of the series and would instead be a one-off.

ALSO READ: Ravi Shastri and co expected to leave England on Wednesday upon negative test

Considering the COVID fear in the Indian camp, Ganguly clarified that the players were devastated to know about Parmar's case, while they were dead scared about contracting the infection. He further explained that their feelings must be respected since it is difficult to stay in the bubble for so long.

He said that the players could not be blamed since Parmar was the only physio available in the side after Nitin Patel was in isolation following head coach Ravi Shastri's positive case in London. The former had been quite close with the players since then and even conducted their COVID tests.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Last Updated Sep 13, 2021, 2:05 PM IST

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Pataudi Trophy 2021: Indians were 'dead scared' during Manchester Test, clarifies Sourav Ganguly

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