<p>Ahead of India's fifth and final Test versus Ben Stokes-led England, the visiting side was dealt with a major blow on Sunday (June 26) when regular captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19. Since then, he has isolated himself and is running against time to recover and become fully fit for the series decider, i.e, a spillover of the incomplete 2021 five-match series.</p>

<p>As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, it suggested that Rohit tested positive once again on Wednesday morning (June 29) and will undergo two more rounds of testing, one later in the day and the other on Thursday (June 30), before a final call is taken on his availability. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah is being considered to lead India. If this happens, the 28-year-old speedster will become only the second pacer to captain India in whites after the legend Kapil Dev.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-to-captain-team-india-in-5th-test-vs-england-if-rohit-sharma-misses-out-report-492965"><strong>Jasprit Bumrah to captain Team India in 5th Test vs England if Rohit Sharma misses out: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Amid all the uncertainity over Rohit and if Bumrah will lead in Hitman's absence, head coach Rahul Dravid spoke at&nbsp;the traditional press conference&nbsp;on Wednesday to share some vital updates. He spoke on Rohit's chances to play the series finale and if Bumrah will lead in case the former is ruled out.</p>

<p>"So the update on Rohit is that he is being monitored by our medical team, he is not yet been ruled out. Obviously, he needs to get the negative test to be available. We will keep monitoring him, we have still got close to 36 hours to go so he will have a test later tonight and one maybe tomorrow morning as well. We will see, it is really up to the medical team and sports science team to decide on that. We will keep monitoring,” Dravid told reporters ahead of the 5th Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-to-lead-india-in-1st-t20i-vs-england-regulars-rohit-kohli-and-bumrah-to-return-from-2nd-tie-report-493058"><strong>Hardik to lead India in 1st T20I vs England; regulars Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah to return from 2nd tie: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>On Bumrah, Dravid pointed out, "It's not fair for me to say it. You'll have to wait for official communication (through the selectors and the BCCI)."</p>

<p>For the unversed, India have an unassailable 2-1 lead in the incomplete series from last year. Ahead of the final Test, which will set to be held in Manchester in the last English summer, Covid crisis in the then Virat Kohli-led Indian camp led to the series decider being pushed by a year. Thus, India have a good chance to win their first-ever red-ball series on English soil. However, it won't be an easy task without Rohit and an&nbsp;already injured KL Rahul (two of their best batters from the incomplete series).&nbsp;</p>
</section>


Ahead of India's fifth and final Test versus Ben Stokes-led England, the visiting side was dealt with a major blow on Sunday (June 26) when regular captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19.

Ahead of India's fifth and final Test versus Ben Stokes-led England, the visiting side was dealt with a major blow on Sunday (June 26) when regular captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19. Since then, he has isolated himself and is running against time to recover and become fully fit for the series decider, i.e, a spillover of the incomplete 2021 five-match series. As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, it suggested that Rohit tested positive once again on Wednesday morning (June 29) and will undergo two more rounds of testing, one later in the day and the other on Thursday (June 30), before a final call is taken on his availability. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah is being considered to lead India. If this happens, the 28-year-old speedster will become only the second pacer to captain India in whites after the legend Kapil Dev. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah to captain Team India in 5th Test vs England if Rohit Sharma misses out: Report Amid all the uncertainity over Rohit and if Bumrah will lead in Hitman's absence, head coach Rahul Dravid spoke at the traditional press conference on Wednesday to share some vital updates. He spoke on Rohit's chances to play the series finale and if Bumrah will lead in case the former is ruled out. "So the update on Rohit is that he is being monitored by our medical team, he is not yet been ruled out. Obviously, he needs to get the negative test to be available. We will keep monitoring him, we have still got close to 36 hours to go so he will have a test later tonight and one maybe tomorrow morning as well. We will see, it is really up to the medical team and sports science team to decide on that. We will keep monitoring,” Dravid told reporters ahead of the 5th Test in Edgbaston, Birmingham. ALSO READ | Hardik to lead India in 1st T20I vs England; regulars Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah to return from 2nd tie: Report On Bumrah, Dravid pointed out, "It's not fair for me to say it. You'll have to wait for official communication (through the selectors and the BCCI)." For the unversed, India have an unassailable 2-1 lead in the incomplete series from last year. Ahead of the final Test, which will set to be held in Manchester in the last English summer, Covid crisis in the then Virat Kohli-led Indian camp led to the series decider being pushed by a year. Thus, India have a good chance to win their first-ever red-ball series on English soil. However, it won't be an easy task without Rohit and an already injured KL Rahul (two of their best batters from the incomplete series).

India vs England, 5th Test: Is Rohit Sharma ruled out? Will Jasprit Bumrah lead visitors? Dravid gives updates

<p>After Indian skipper Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken note of the situation and advised players in England to limit their public appearances and hangouts and stay indoors. Indian batter Rohit Sharma tested COVID-19 positive following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. Rohit, who was playing in India's ongoing four-day warm-up game against Leicestershire, has gone into quarantine.</p>

<p>Though England has lifted bio-bubble and isolation-related barriers, COVID-19 is still not over and players have failed to completely protect the side from the virus. A source from BCCI told ANI, "The board has scolded some players over their habit of hanging out in public. It also seems some players went in public and clicked pictures with fans, which could be dangerous. We had told them to stay careful but they still often roamed around in the city which is not required, so we asked them again to take precautions."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mayank-agarwal-called-up-as-cover-as-rohit-sharma-faces-races-against-time-for-5th-test-vs-england-492123"><strong>Mayank Agarwal called up as cover for Rohit Sharma ahead of India's rescheduled 5th Test against England</strong></a></p>

<p>It was seen that star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were hanging out in public and pictures of them surfaced on the internet in which they were seen clicking pictures with their fans. Recently, a picture of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also surfaced in which he was seen clicking pictures with fans in the crowd, which caused BCCI to get angry with the team. The four-day practice match against Leicestershire ended in a draw. India will lock horns with England for the rescheduled fifth Test at Old Trafford starting on July 1.</p>

<p>The rescheduled fifth Test is counted as the fifth match of India`s 2021 series in England, which the visitors lead by 2-1. The fifth Test was postponed at the last minute following a COVID-19 outbreak in 2021.</p>


After Indian skipper Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken note of the situation and advised players in England to limit their public appearances and hangouts and stay indoors.

After Indian skipper Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken note of the situation and advised players in England to limit their public appearances and hangouts and stay indoors. Indian batter Rohit Sharma tested COVID-19 positive following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. Rohit, who was playing in India's ongoing four-day warm-up game against Leicestershire, has gone into quarantine. Though England has lifted bio-bubble and isolation-related barriers, COVID-19 is still not over and players have failed to completely protect the side from the virus. A source from BCCI told ANI, "The board has scolded some players over their habit of hanging out in public. It also seems some players went in public and clicked pictures with fans, which could be dangerous. We had told them to stay careful but they still often roamed around in the city which is not required, so we asked them again to take precautions." ALSO READ | Mayank Agarwal called up as cover for Rohit Sharma ahead of India's rescheduled 5th Test against England It was seen that star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were hanging out in public and pictures of them surfaced on the internet in which they were seen clicking pictures with their fans. Recently, a picture of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also surfaced in which he was seen clicking pictures with fans in the crowd, which caused BCCI to get angry with the team. The four-day practice match against Leicestershire ended in a draw. India will lock horns with England for the rescheduled fifth Test at Old Trafford starting on July 1. The rescheduled fifth Test is counted as the fifth match of India`s 2021 series in England, which the visitors lead by 2-1. The fifth Test was postponed at the last minute following a COVID-19 outbreak in 2021.

BCCI advises players in England to limit public appearances after Covid scare in India camp: Sources

<p>India were dealt with a huge blow on Sunday (June 26) as captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the team's rescheduled fifth Test against England in Edgbaston. The one-off fifth Test between the two sides is scheduled to get underway on July 01 and Rohit might not be able to recover fully in time for the crucial encounter leaving India with a massive headache to choose his replacement as captain of the side.</p>

<p>Rohit tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday after a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) amid the ongoing 4-day warm-up match between India and Leicestershire. He had come out to bat in India's first innings of the practice match and scored 25 runs off 47 balls and didn't turn up to bat in the second innings.</p>

<p>He will no longer feature on Day 4 of the warm-up match between the two sides and now faces a race with time in order to recover fully for the 5th Test against England. If he fails to make the cut, India will have to look for a captaincy replacement within their current squad.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-cricket-skipper-rohit-sharma-tests-positive-for-covid-19-in-england-491832">Indian cricket skipper Rohit Sharma tests positive for COVID-19 in England</a></p>

<p>While KL Rahul, India's designated vice-captain is not a part of the tour due to an injury, former captain Virat Kohli remains one of the favourites to lead the team in Rohit's absence. In fact, it was under Kohli's captaincy that India had taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series against England last year before the final game was postponed due to COVID-19.</p>

<p>However, if Kohli refuses to lead the team, ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be handed over the captaincy baton for the all-important match. Bumrah is India's vice-captain for the England Test in Rahul's absence and might be asked to lead the team against the hosts.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-confronts-fan-for-making-fun-of-young-kamlesh-nagarkoti-during-indias-warm-up-match-491741">WATCH - Kohli confronts fan for making fun of young Kamlesh Nagarkoti during India's warm-up match</a></p>

<p><strong>Will Jasprit Bumrah match Kapil Dev's feat?</strong></p>

<p>If Bumrah gets to lead the Indian team in the one-off Test against England on the ongoing tour, he will become only the first fast bowler since the legendary Kapil Dev to captain the side. No fast bowler has captained India across any format of the game since Kapil, who last led India in March 1987.</p>

<p>Bumrah was earlier India's vice-captain for the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa earlier this year where Rahul had led the team. The premier fast bowler is already a part of India's leadership group and might get a chance to lead the team against England this time around.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India were dealt with a huge blow on Sunday (June 26) as captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the team's rescheduled fifth Test against England in Edgbaston.

India were dealt with a huge blow on Sunday (June 26) as captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the team's rescheduled fifth Test against England in Edgbaston. The one-off fifth Test between the two sides is scheduled to get underway on July 01 and Rohit might not be able to recover fully in time for the crucial encounter leaving India with a massive headache to choose his replacement as captain of the side. Rohit tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday after a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) amid the ongoing 4-day warm-up match between India and Leicestershire. He had come out to bat in India's first innings of the practice match and scored 25 runs off 47 balls and didn't turn up to bat in the second innings. He will no longer feature on Day 4 of the warm-up match between the two sides and now faces a race with time in order to recover fully for the 5th Test against England. If he fails to make the cut, India will have to look for a captaincy replacement within their current squad. Also Read: Indian cricket skipper Rohit Sharma tests positive for COVID-19 in England While KL Rahul, India's designated vice-captain is not a part of the tour due to an injury, former captain Virat Kohli remains one of the favourites to lead the team in Rohit's absence. In fact, it was under Kohli's captaincy that India had taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series against England last year before the final game was postponed due to COVID-19. However, if Kohli refuses to lead the team, ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be handed over the captaincy baton for the all-important match. Bumrah is India's vice-captain for the England Test in Rahul's absence and might be asked to lead the team against the hosts. Also Read: WATCH - Kohli confronts fan for making fun of young Kamlesh Nagarkoti during India's warm-up match Will Jasprit Bumrah match Kapil Dev's feat? If Bumrah gets to lead the Indian team in the one-off Test against England on the ongoing tour, he will become only the first fast bowler since the legendary Kapil Dev to captain the side. No fast bowler has captained India across any format of the game since Kapil, who last led India in March 1987. Bumrah was earlier India's vice-captain for the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa earlier this year where Rahul had led the team. The premier fast bowler is already a part of India's leadership group and might get a chance to lead the team against England this time around.

Jasprit Bumrah can match Kapil Dev's feat as India captaincy beckons after Rohit Sharma's positive covid test

<p>India were handed a huge blow ahead of the all-important one-off 5th Test against England in Edgbaston, Birmingham after KL Rahul was ruled out due to an injury. The opening batter had earlier missed the recently-concluded T20I series against South Africa at home after suffering a groin injury and is set to remain on the sidelines ahead of the Test match against England.</p>

<p>Rahul was named captain of the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the five T20Is against South Africa. However, he was ruled out of the series ahead of the opening game and will not return to the team for the upcoming Ireland and England tours. While India have not named his replacement for the England Test, there were speculations about Cheteshwar Pujara being promoted as an opener in his absence.</p>

<p>However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently took to social media to post footage from India's training sessions at Leicestershire and hinted at India's opening pair for the Test match. With captain Rohit Sharma confirmed to open the innings, there was a tussle between Pujara and Shubman Gill for the second spot.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/11-years-of-virat-kohli-in-test-cricket-former-india-captain-shares-special-video-to-relive-memorable-journey-489963">11 years of Kohli in Test cricket: Former India captain shares special video to relive memorable journey</a></p>

<p>However, BCCI's post has now hinted that Rohit will open the batting with Gill in the upcoming four-day warm-up match in Leicestershire followed by the 5th Test against England. "#TeamIndia openers captain @rohitsharma45 and @shubmangill are getting into the groove on Day 1 of our nets session," BCCI captioned their post with pictures of Gill and Rohit batting in the nets.</p>

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<p>The 5th Test was originally scheduled to be played in Manchester last year during India's tour of England. However, it was postponed due to COVID-19 and will now be completed in Edgbaston in July. It will be the final game of the five-match series between the two teams which is currently locked at 2-1 in India's favour.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-stamp-that-says-rishabh-pant-will-surely-play-in-t20-wc-2022-ex-india-pacer-makes-big-statement-489920">No stamp that says Rishabh Pant will surely play in T20 WC 2022: Ex-India pacer makes big statement</a></p>

<p>Rahul's absence is a huge blow for the Indian team considering he was one of the top performers for the visitors during their tour of England last year. Rahul was enjoying a prolific run with the willow and amassed 315 runs in 4 matches as an opener to help India take a 2-1 lead in the series.</p>

<p>If India manage&nbsp;to win or draw the Test match, it will be a historic series win for the visitors. India have never won a Test series in England since 2007 and this will be their first triumph on English soil in the whites since 2007.</p>


India were handed a huge blow ahead of the all-important one-off 5th Test against England in Edgbaston, Birmingham after KL Rahul was ruled out due to an injury.

India were handed a huge blow ahead of the all-important one-off 5th Test against England in Edgbaston, Birmingham after KL Rahul was ruled out due to an injury. The opening batter had earlier missed the recently-concluded T20I series against South Africa at home after suffering a groin injury and is set to remain on the sidelines ahead of the Test match against England. Rahul was named captain of the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the five T20Is against South Africa. However, he was ruled out of the series ahead of the opening game and will not return to the team for the upcoming Ireland and England tours. While India have not named his replacement for the England Test, there were speculations about Cheteshwar Pujara being promoted as an opener in his absence. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently took to social media to post footage from India's training sessions at Leicestershire and hinted at India's opening pair for the Test match. With captain Rohit Sharma confirmed to open the innings, there was a tussle between Pujara and Shubman Gill for the second spot. Also Read: 11 years of Kohli in Test cricket: Former India captain shares special video to relive memorable journey However, BCCI's post has now hinted that Rohit will open the batting with Gill in the upcoming four-day warm-up match in Leicestershire followed by the 5th Test against England. "#TeamIndia openers captain @rohitsharma45 and @shubmangill are getting into the groove on Day 1 of our nets session," BCCI captioned their post with pictures of Gill and Rohit batting in the nets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) × The 5th Test was originally scheduled to be played in Manchester last year during India's tour of England. However, it was postponed due to COVID-19 and will now be completed in Edgbaston in July. It will be the final game of the five-match series between the two teams which is currently locked at 2-1 in India's favour. Also Read: No stamp that says Rishabh Pant will surely play in T20 WC 2022: Ex-India pacer makes big statement Rahul's absence is a huge blow for the Indian team considering he was one of the top performers for the visitors during their tour of England last year. Rahul was enjoying a prolific run with the willow and amassed 315 runs in 4 matches as an opener to help India take a 2-1 lead in the series. If India manage to win or draw the Test match, it will be a historic series win for the visitors. India have never won a Test series in England since 2007 and this will be their first triumph on English soil in the whites since 2007.

Will Cheteshwar Pujara open against England in KL Rahul's absence? BCCI's post hints at India's opening pair

<p>On Sunday (May 22), the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee announced a 17-man squad for Rohit Sharma-led India's fifth and final Test versus England, which will be held in early July at&nbsp;Edgbaston, Birmingham.</p>

<p>Among the four senior players who were dropped for the home series versus Sri Lanka, in March, Cheteshwar Pujara is the only one to have stormed his way back into the squad. Pujara was rewarded for his memorable run for&nbsp;Sussex in the County Championship in England. The right-hander returned with&nbsp;720 runs in 8 innings at an average of 120.0, including two double-tons, to make a comeback into the Test line-up for the series decider versus England, i.e. a part of&nbsp;the incomplete series held last year in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, former chief selector MSK Prasad reacted to Pujara's comeback in whites and hailed his commitment. “Unbelievable. Only one word I can say is an unbelievable comeback. This shows the commitment he has towards the sport and himself. It's a wonderful story,” Prasad told NDTV.</p>

<section><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-didnt-want-anyone-to-question-him-virender-sehwag-hails-anil-kumble-for-his-test-comeback-481825">'I didn't want anyone to question him...' - Virender Sehwag hails Anil Kumble for his Test comeback</a></strong>

<p>“Not many people would have believed what he has done. I think credit to him, for the way he performed in the County to stake his claim in the Test team. Because all through his career he has always been a Test cricketer, and had he not been there in this team, I think we would have missed him forever," the former keeper-batter added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cheteshwar-pujara-returns-as-selectors-announce-indias-squad-for-one-off-test-against-england-481256"><strong>Cheteshwar Pujara returns as selectors announce India's squad for one-off Test against England</strong></a></p>

<p>Pujara was unsold at the IPL 2022 mega auction, following which he went to play the County championship.&nbsp;The decision proved to be a masterstroke for the Test specialist as he made a quick return to the red-ball squad after being dropped following a poor run in the South Africa Tests, held early this year.</p>

<p><strong>Indian cricket team Test squad:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Prasidh Krishna</p>
</section>


On Sunday (May 22), the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee announced a 17-man squad for Rohit Sharma-led India's fifth and final Test versus England, which will be held in early July at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

On Sunday (May 22), the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee announced a 17-man squad for Rohit Sharma-led India's fifth and final Test versus England, which will be held in early July at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Among the four senior players who were dropped for the home series versus Sri Lanka, in March, Cheteshwar Pujara is the only one to have stormed his way back into the squad. Pujara was rewarded for his memorable run for Sussex in the County Championship in England. The right-hander returned with 720 runs in 8 innings at an average of 120.0, including two double-tons, to make a comeback into the Test line-up for the series decider versus England, i.e. a part of the incomplete series held last year in the United Kingdom. Thus, former chief selector MSK Prasad reacted to Pujara's comeback in whites and hailed his commitment. “Unbelievable. Only one word I can say is an unbelievable comeback. This shows the commitment he has towards the sport and himself. It's a wonderful story,” Prasad told NDTV. ALSO READ | 'I didn't want anyone to question him...' - Virender Sehwag hails Anil Kumble for his Test comeback “Not many people would have believed what he has done. I think credit to him, for the way he performed in the County to stake his claim in the Test team. Because all through his career he has always been a Test cricketer, and had he not been there in this team, I think we would have missed him forever," the former keeper-batter added. ALSO READ | Cheteshwar Pujara returns as selectors announce India's squad for one-off Test against England Pujara was unsold at the IPL 2022 mega auction, following which he went to play the County championship. The decision proved to be a masterstroke for the Test specialist as he made a quick return to the red-ball squad after being dropped following a poor run in the South Africa Tests, held early this year. Indian cricket team Test squad: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

Former chief selector reacts to Cheteshwar Pujara's Test comeback for India-England series finale

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up about the fifth Test against England being cancelled due to fears of COVID-19. Several Indian players, including Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, &nbsp;have travelled to UAE for the upcoming IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/matthew-hayden-and-vernon-philander-join-pakistan-teams-coaching-staff-412901" hreflang="en">Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander join Pakistan team's coaching staff</a></p>

<p>“Unfortunate that we had to end up here early, but with COVID in place, things are very uncertain. Anything can happen at any time," Kohli said in the ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ series on RCB Digital Media Platforms.</p>

<p>RCB skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Mohammed Siraj arrived in UAE on Sunday after the IPL franchise&nbsp;arranged a chartered flight from Manchester to Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hopefully, we're able to maintain a good, strong, and secure environment, and have a quality IPL. It's going to be an exciting phase and a very important one for us at RCB and then for the Indian team at the T20 World Cup,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli also spoke about the new additions to the team and said, "I've been in touch with everyone. We've had discussions over the last month or so, a little longer than that with the replacements, who's coming and who's not.</p>

<p>"Eventually, we ended up replacing our key players with some top-quality cricketers. Our key players will be missed, and they are a part of the family, but the people coming in as well have great skill sets, especially for these conditions. So, I'm very excited to see them, with the whole group at practice and certainly very excited to resume a very good season that started last time around."</p>

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore will resume their IPL 2021 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Abu Dhabi.</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up about the fifth Test against England being cancelled due to fears of COVID-19. Several Indian players, including Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, have travelled to UAE for the upcoming IPL.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up about the fifth Test against England being cancelled due to fears of COVID-19. Several Indian players, including Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah, have travelled to UAE for the upcoming IPL. ALSO READ: Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander join Pakistan team's coaching staff “Unfortunate that we had to end up here early, but with COVID in place, things are very uncertain. Anything can happen at any time," Kohli said in the ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ series on RCB Digital Media Platforms. RCB skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Mohammed Siraj arrived in UAE on Sunday after the IPL franchise arranged a chartered flight from Manchester to Dubai. "Hopefully, we're able to maintain a good, strong, and secure environment, and have a quality IPL. It's going to be an exciting phase and a very important one for us at RCB and then for the Indian team at the T20 World Cup,” he said. Kohli also spoke about the new additions to the team and said, "I've been in touch with everyone. We've had discussions over the last month or so, a little longer than that with the replacements, who's coming and who's not. "Eventually, we ended up replacing our key players with some top-quality cricketers. Our key players will be missed, and they are a part of the family, but the people coming in as well have great skill sets, especially for these conditions. So, I'm very excited to see them, with the whole group at practice and certainly very excited to resume a very good season that started last time around." Royal Challengers Bangalore will resume their IPL 2021 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Abu Dhabi.

'Anything can happen at any time': Virat Kohli opens up about fifth Test being cancelled

<p>Former England skipper Nasser Hussain called the cancelling of the fifth Test between India and England a mess, however, he said that the fate of IPL was hanging over the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-releases-statement-over-cancellation-of-fifth-test-between-india-and-england-412114" hreflang="en">BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England</a></p>

<p>India and England were to take on each other in the fifth and final Test at Old Trafford, Manchester from Friday, however, the Covid cases in the Indian camp meant that the visitors couldn't field a team.</p>

<p>"It's an evolving situation, it's a mess. And the only thing I can tell you is that this Test match... the final Test match is off. There won't be a Test match here at Old Trafford. This is the end of India's tour of England" Hussain said on Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"I have a lot of sympathy with the Indian players as they've had two physios (test positive) and the second one would have been treating all the players with some sore bodies ahead of a fifth Test match. You cannot do physiotherapy without close contact. Even those players have tested negative a couple of times now, the incubation period means they are worried that two or three days into the Test match they test positive and three or four players go down."</p>

<p>Hussain added that the BCCI was very concerned about the game. With cash-rich IPL less than ten days away, COVID-19 could cause some major trouble to the league.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Initially, the BCCI was always very concerned about this Test match. They wanted everything moved to make sure the IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game, over Indian cricket. They have already moved it, then moved it half of it this time around. Of course, this is about the IPL, but this is about players who are thinking: ‘If I get down positive here now, today, I have to do another 10 days’,” Hussain said.</p>

<p>"I have to applaud what the players showed. There will be a lot of anger and I get that but what is shows is how well the game has coped things like this. How well players have coped. These guys are going from bubble to bubble, and from quarantine to quarantine… look what’s happened to Ben Stokes. The tight bubble is no longer sustainable,” the former England captain explained.</p>


Former England skipper Nasser Hussain called the cancelling of the fifth Test between India and England a mess, however, he said that the fate of IPL was hanging over the game.

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain called the cancelling of the fifth Test between India and England a mess, however, he said that the fate of IPL was hanging over the game. ALSO READ: BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England India and England were to take on each other in the fifth and final Test at Old Trafford, Manchester from Friday, however, the Covid cases in the Indian camp meant that the visitors couldn't field a team. "It's an evolving situation, it's a mess. And the only thing I can tell you is that this Test match... the final Test match is off. There won't be a Test match here at Old Trafford. This is the end of India's tour of England" Hussain said on Sky Sports. "I have a lot of sympathy with the Indian players as they've had two physios (test positive) and the second one would have been treating all the players with some sore bodies ahead of a fifth Test match. You cannot do physiotherapy without close contact. Even those players have tested negative a couple of times now, the incubation period means they are worried that two or three days into the Test match they test positive and three or four players go down." Hussain added that the BCCI was very concerned about the game. With cash-rich IPL less than ten days away, COVID-19 could cause some major trouble to the league. "Initially, the BCCI was always very concerned about this Test match. They wanted everything moved to make sure the IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game, over Indian cricket. They have already moved it, then moved it half of it this time around. Of course, this is about the IPL, but this is about players who are thinking: ‘If I get down positive here now, today, I have to do another 10 days’,” Hussain said. "I have to applaud what the players showed. There will be a lot of anger and I get that but what is shows is how well the game has coped things like this. How well players have coped. These guys are going from bubble to bubble, and from quarantine to quarantine… look what’s happened to Ben Stokes. The tight bubble is no longer sustainable,” the former England captain explained.

'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off

<p>The fifth Test between India and England has been called off due to fears of COVID-19 after cases emerged in Team India's camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement on their official website regarding the fifth Test match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement read: "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."</p>

<p>"Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many," it concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Players expressed their concerns over playing at the Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following Parmar's positive result, there were speculations that the fifth and final Test will now not go on as planned, however, the scenario has changed after no further positive cases came out from the Indian camp in the PCR results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India were up by 2-1 in the five-match series, however, after the cancellation, the scoreline remains uncertain.&nbsp;</p>


The fifth Test between India and England has been called off due to fears of COVID-19 after cases emerged in Team India's camp. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement on their official website regarding the fifth Test match.

The fifth Test between India and England has been called off due to fears of COVID-19 after cases emerged in Team India's camp. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement on their official website regarding the fifth Test match. The statement read: "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." "Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team." "We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many," it concluded. Players expressed their concerns over playing at the Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday. The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results. Following Parmar's positive result, there were speculations that the fifth and final Test will now not go on as planned, however, the scenario has changed after no further positive cases came out from the Indian camp in the PCR results. India were up by 2-1 in the five-match series, however, after the cancellation, the scoreline remains uncertain.

Fifth Test between India and England called off over COVID-19 concerns

<p>The final Test match of the five-match series between India and England was scheduled to begin on Friday, however, as per the new developments, Day 1 has been postponed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-rohit-sharmas-backing-led-to-r-ashwins-inclusion-in-virat-kohli-led-indias-t20-world-cup-squad-reports-412041" hreflang="en">How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports</a></p>

<p>A report by Cricbuzz said that Indian players wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) voicing their concerns over playing at the Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When will the match begin and if it will get cancelled or postponed still remains uncertain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following Parmar's positive result, there were speculations that the fifth and final Test will now not go on as planned, however, the scenario has changed after no further positive cases came out from the Indian camp in the PCR results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, the Indian team is already short of its support staff, with head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar being ruled out of the final Test, in Old Trafford, Manchester, following positive results during The Oval Test, London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for Parmar, he had taken over after lead physio Nitin Patel was forced to self-isolation during the fourth and penultimate after being identified as a close contact of Shastri.&nbsp;</p>


The final Test match of the five-match series between India and England was scheduled to begin on Friday, however, as per the new developments, Day 1 has been postponed.

The final Test match of the five-match series between India and England was scheduled to begin on Friday, however, as per the new developments, Day 1 has been postponed. ALSO READ: How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports A report by Cricbuzz said that Indian players wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) voicing their concerns over playing at the Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday. When will the match begin and if it will get cancelled or postponed still remains uncertain. The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results. Following Parmar's positive result, there were speculations that the fifth and final Test will now not go on as planned, however, the scenario has changed after no further positive cases came out from the Indian camp in the PCR results. For the unversed, the Indian team is already short of its support staff, with head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar being ruled out of the final Test, in Old Trafford, Manchester, following positive results during The Oval Test, London. As for Parmar, he had taken over after lead physio Nitin Patel was forced to self-isolation during the fourth and penultimate after being identified as a close contact of Shastri.

Day 1 of the fifth Test match between India and England set to be deferred: Reports

<p>Karun Nair made an epic unbeaten triple century to power India to their highest ever innings total against a demoralised England in the fifth and final test on Monday.</p>

<p>Nair became the second Indian batsman to score a test triple hundred and his 303 not out helped the hosts post a massive 759 for seven before skipper Virat Kohli declared.</p>

<p>After conceding a 282-run first-innings lead, England finished on 12 for no loss, needing to bat out the final day to save the match and prevent a 4-0 series loss.</p>

<p>Skipper Alastair Cook was unbeaten on three at the close with Keaton Jennings on nine after a difficult day in the field for the touring side.</p>

<p>Nair struck his 32nd four off Adil Rashid to bring up his triple century before raising his bat in celebration as his coach Anil Kumble, a keen photographer, captured the moment on camera.</p>

<p>Nair was at the other end when Lokesh Rahul, his partner in a 161-run fourth-wicket stand, fell agonisingly short of his double century on Sunday by playing a rash shot when one run away from the milestone.</p>

<p>Playing only his third test, Nair brought up his maiden century in the morning session, turned it into a double after tea and accelerated to reach the 300-mark in an innings which also included four sixes.</p>

<p>Resuming on 391 for four, India lost Murali Vijay for 29 but Nair and Ravichandran Aswin added 181 runs for the fifth wicket to put the hosts firmly in command.</p>

<p>Batting down the order following a shoulder injury, Vijay became debutant Liam Dawson&#39;s first test victim when the left-arm spinner trapped him lbw.</p>

<p>Nair&nbsp;dropped on 34 by Cook, enjoyed another slice of luck when he hung out his bat trying to leave a Stuart Broad delivery, the deflection running past slip to the boundary.</p>

<p>Ben Stokes bowled with hostility, generating reverse swing from an otherwise flat track, and nearly had Nair caught at mid-off with another short delivery.</p>

<p>Nair was on 217 when Joe Root dropped him at slip off Jake Ball and the batsman also survived a stumping opportunity.</p>

<p>Ashwin hit a six off Moeen Ali and registered his 10th test fifty before he fell for 67 to a brilliant diving catch by Jos Buttler off Broad.</p>

<p>Virender Sehwag is the only other Indian to make a test triple century, achieving the feat twice.</p>

<p>(Reuters)</p>


Nair became the 2nd Indian batsman to score a test triple hundred and his 303 not out helped the hosts post a massive 759 for seven

Karun Nair made an epic unbeaten triple century to power India to their highest ever innings total against a demoralised England in the fifth and final test on Monday. Nair became the second Indian batsman to score a test triple hundred and his 303 not out helped the hosts post a massive 759 for seven before skipper Virat Kohli declared. After conceding a 282-run first-innings lead, England finished on 12 for no loss, needing to bat out the final day to save the match and prevent a 4-0 series loss. Skipper Alastair Cook was unbeaten on three at the close with Keaton Jennings on nine after a difficult day in the field for the touring side. Nair struck his 32nd four off Adil Rashid to bring up his triple century before raising his bat in celebration as his coach Anil Kumble, a keen photographer, captured the moment on camera. Nair was at the other end when Lokesh Rahul, his partner in a 161-run fourth-wicket stand, fell agonisingly short of his double century on Sunday by playing a rash shot when one run away from the milestone. Playing only his third test, Nair brought up his maiden century in the morning session, turned it into a double after tea and accelerated to reach the 300-mark in an innings which also included four sixes. Resuming on 391 for four, India lost Murali Vijay for 29 but Nair and Ravichandran Aswin added 181 runs for the fifth wicket to put the hosts firmly in command. Batting down the order following a shoulder injury, Vijay became debutant Liam Dawson's first test victim when the left-arm spinner trapped him lbw. Nair dropped on 34 by Cook, enjoyed another slice of luck when he hung out his bat trying to leave a Stuart Broad delivery, the deflection running past slip to the boundary. Ben Stokes bowled with hostility, generating reverse swing from an otherwise flat track, and nearly had Nair caught at mid-off with another short delivery. Nair was on 217 when Joe Root dropped him at slip off Jake Ball and the batsman also survived a stumping opportunity. Ashwin hit a six off Moeen Ali and registered his 10th test fifty before he fell for 67 to a brilliant diving catch by Jos Buttler off Broad. Virender Sehwag is the only other Indian to make a test triple century, achieving the feat twice. (Reuters)

Cricket: Karun Nair's triple century fuels record India total