Ahmedabad to host first game in 9 years as England tour India from February 2021

First Published Dec 10, 2020, 4:25 PM IST

England would tour India for a complete trip, across formats. The sides would play four Tests, along with five Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals. The matches would be held across three venues, behind closed doors, owing to the prevailing pandemic.

<p>In what would mark the return of international cricket to India in the prevailing pandemic era, since January this year, England are set to tour India for a complete trip, across formats, starting February 5, 2021. The tour would consist of four-Tests, along with five Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) and three One-Day Internationals (ODI).</p>

In what would mark the return of international cricket to India in the prevailing pandemic era, since January this year, England are set to tour India for a complete trip, across formats, starting February 5, 2021. The tour would consist of four-Tests, along with five Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) and three One-Day Internationals (ODI).

<p>The tour would start with the Tests, for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, currently held by India. The opening two Tests would be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, followed by the remaining couple in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the third Test in Ahmedabad would be a day-night affair.</p>

The tour would start with the Tests, for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, currently held by India. The opening two Tests would be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, followed by the remaining couple in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the third Test in Ahmedabad would be a day-night affair.

<p>The tour would start with the Tests, for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, currently held by India. The opening two Tests would be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, followed by the remaining couple in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the third Test in Ahmedabad would be a day-night affair.</p>

The tour would start with the Tests, for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, currently held by India. The opening two Tests would be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, followed by the remaining couple in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the third Test in Ahmedabad would be a day-night affair.

<p>The action would then move to the shortest format, as the T20Is would be held at the same venue, of Ahmedabad. It would end with three ODIs, which would be held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.</p>

The action would then move to the shortest format, as the T20Is would be held at the same venue, of Ahmedabad. It would end with three ODIs, which would be held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

<p>Speaking on the tour and scheduling, BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, said, "The BCCI prioritises health and safety of both teams and will leave no stone unturned to make sure that the tour is held adhering to all safety protocols agreed by the BCCI and ECB medical teams. Both Boards have worked closely to put together an exciting series that promises to provide high octane action between two powerhouses of world cricket. This will be India's first bilateral series at home since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the home season will bring back joy to cricket fans."</p>

Speaking on the tour and scheduling, BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, said, "The BCCI prioritises health and safety of both teams and will leave no stone unturned to make sure that the tour is held adhering to all safety protocols agreed by the BCCI and ECB medical teams. Both Boards have worked closely to put together an exciting series that promises to provide high octane action between two powerhouses of world cricket. This will be India's first bilateral series at home since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the home season will bring back joy to cricket fans."

<p>Meanwhile, ECB CEO, Tom Harrison, added, "International cricket between India and England is a highlight of the cricketing calendar and always attracts significant levels of interest from fans around the world. We have been delighted with the planning that has been undertaken by the BCCI to ensure the three venues in Chennai, Ahmadabad and Pune will be ready to host international cricket in a bio-secure environment and look forward to working closely with them over the coming weeks to finalise those plans. The prospect of becoming the first international side to play at the magnificent Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad adds an extra dimension to the tour and I know will be something that is a highlight for both the players and management."</p>

Meanwhile, ECB CEO, Tom Harrison, added, "International cricket between India and England is a highlight of the cricketing calendar and always attracts significant levels of interest from fans around the world. We have been delighted with the planning that has been undertaken by the BCCI to ensure the three venues in Chennai, Ahmadabad and Pune will be ready to host international cricket in a bio-secure environment and look forward to working closely with them over the coming weeks to finalise those plans. The prospect of becoming the first international side to play at the magnificent Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad adds an extra dimension to the tour and I know will be something that is a highlight for both the players and management."

<p><strong>Full schedule<br />
February 5-9: </strong>1st Test (Chennai)<br />
<strong>February 13-17:</strong> 2nd Test (Chennai)<br />
<strong>February 24-28: </strong>3rd Test (Ahmedabad)<br />
<strong>March 4-8:</strong> 4th Test (Ahmedabad)<br />
<strong>March 12:</strong> 1st T20I (Ahmedabad)<br />
<strong>March 14: </strong>2nd T20I (Ahmedabad)<br />
<strong>March 16:</strong> 3rd T20I (Ahmedabad)<br />
<strong>March 18:</strong> 4th T20I (Ahmedabad)<br />
<strong>March 20: </strong>5th T20I (Ahmedabad)<br />
<strong>March 23: </strong>1st ODI (Pune)<br />
<strong>March 26:</strong> 2nd ODI (Pune)<br />
<strong>March 28:</strong> 3rd ODI (Pune)</p>

Full schedule
February 5-9: 1st Test (Chennai)
February 13-17: 2nd Test (Chennai)
February 24-28: 3rd Test (Ahmedabad)
March 4-8: 4th Test (Ahmedabad)
March 12: 1st T20I (Ahmedabad)
March 14: 2nd T20I (Ahmedabad)
March 16: 3rd T20I (Ahmedabad)
March 18: 4th T20I (Ahmedabad)
March 20: 5th T20I (Ahmedabad)
March 23: 1st ODI (Pune)
March 26: 2nd ODI (Pune)
March 28: 3rd ODI (Pune)

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