Axed Test sparks Ashes assurance

THE dramatic last-minute cancellation of the deciding fifth Test against India at Old Trafford has heightened the tension already surrounding the upcoming Ashes series, although English cricket’s top administrator still believes postponement is “probably not where we are going to end up”.

But with India having abandoned the fifth Test against England before a ball was bowled in Manchester because of Covid-19 fears, the Ashes could yet be played under tighter bio-secure bubble restrictions.

Several England cricketers have already expressed worries about the current situation in Australia, where arrivals are subject to lengthy quarantine.

The England Cricket Board is trying to agree a set of protocols with Cricket Australia, as well as the Australian government, under which the Ashes can operate.

“I think (postponement) is probably not where we are going to end up. All the England players want to be part of it,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said.

“I totally understand the players’ perspective on families being present. It’s a conversation we’re having with Cricket Australia and the Australian government.”

The Ashes is set to begin in Brisbane on December 8 before moving to Adelaide ahead of the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and further matches in Sydney and Perth.