India in England: Intra-squad games for India in Durham, says ECB; no selectors allowed
The Indian cricket team will play two intra-squad games at the Riverside ground in Durham before the five-match Test series against England as Virat Kohli’s men are unlikely to get any warm-up first-class games against county sides.
India captain Virat Kohli had expressed his displeasure at not being given any first-class games before the England series, starting in Nottingham on August 4.
“Due to COVID-19 protocols, they will play two intra-squad four-day matches before the first Test in August,” an ECB spokesperson told on Friday.
While it is understood that BCCI had requested ECB for a few practice games, the COVID-19 situation won’t allow any such plan to go ahead.
Asked if there is any chance of a game against county sides, the spokesperson said, “No”.
In England, cricketers from various counties are regularly being tested for COVID but are not being kept in any bubble.
