India in England, summer of 2021

[SaniaFan]

I think it may be rescheduled to a later date. It's changing by the minute

[Kumar]

Disappointing end to the nice series. This series was gripping and did not lack for drama.

Ashwin was supposed to play and misses out. Will be interesting to see if this is end of Shastri . I do not think any others will apply for this post

[prasen9]

The India coach is an important job. There will be multiple applications from those who want to be in the coaching business and get their resume upgraded.

[SaniaFan]

So it seems indian players(apparently
kohli) chickened out. Or since they were ahead and they found an option , they took it.

[Kumar]

This explanation makes sense.

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricke ... 2021-09-10

"I spoke to a few of the guys (Indian players). More often than not, a lot of the players after the fourth Test. This is tiring. Almost all games have gone down the wire, they are tired and they have only one physio right now. They had two, but before this one went down along with the chief coach, another couple of the coaches, so they had one physio, so they've done a lot of work with that man. And now he tests positive. Now, that is the problem," Karthik told Sky Sports.
"If it was somebody else, somebody was helping you know in terms of logistics and all that they wouldn't be this afraid but when this person got it, the physio, I think that's when they got the jitters a little bit," he added.

[prasen9]

The key issue was the ICC's lack of a substitution policy in these COVID days. As they have a substitution policy for concussions, they should have had a substitution policy for COVID. And, some policy that says if more than say 3-4 people in a team fall sick and like for like substitutions are not available, then the match will be called off. Anyway, this tour has gone on too long. And, should be closed down. BCCI should not be doing 5 match test tours in COVID days. All series should be restricted to 3 matches.

Will BCCI agree to Lancashire billing the entire amount lost to one RSJ Shastri? There is no love lost between SCG and RSJS. Might as well stick it to him.

[Atithee]

The problem with substitutes would be that they would have to quarantine for ten days before they can play.

This match is not a forfeiture; only BCCI can pull such a miracle.

[prasen9]

The problem with substitutes would be that they would have to quarantine for ten days before they can play.

If there are no substitutes, then this match is untenable because there are no enough bodies. However, what you said is not true. The UK guidance allows people to play if they have been fully vaccinated + 2 weeks even if they have come in contact with someone who is covid-positive. Otherwise, the match would have been called long ago.

It should not be forfeited. ICC should have that in the playing conditions.

[Kumar]

Again a reasonable suggestion! Looks like finally PR from BCCI to quell negative publicity

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news ... 89511.html

Virat Kohli Suggested Delayed Start But ECB Refused Leading to Cancellation: Report

[Atithee]

If there are no substitutes, then this match is untenable because there are no enough bodies. However, what you said is not true. The UK guidance allows people to play if they have been fully vaccinated + 2 weeks even if they have come in contact with someone who is covid-positive. Otherwise, the match would have been called long ago.

What I meant was if subs had to be flown in from
India assuming there weren’t enough qualified bodies left in the existing bubble.

[prasen9]

Oh, thanks for the clarification. There were 21 people in the team just for this case. If the ICC had allowed COVID substitution, my hunch is that the Indian team would have played. Kohli's main objection was what if we have some positive tests from the playing XI, then we will be forfeiting the test or playing with 9 people against 11, etc. The ICC should look into this and hopefully, cricket will allow liberal substitutions in the future.

[Kumar]

The key issue was the ICC's lack of a substitution policy in these COVID days. As they have a substitution policy for concussions, they should have had a substitution policy for COVID. And, some policy that says if more than say 3-4 people in a team fall sick and like for like substitutions are not available, then the match will be called off. Anyway, this tour has gone on too long. And, should be closed down. BCCI should not be doing 5 match test tours in COVID days. All series should be restricted to 3 matches.

Will BCCI agree to Lancashire billing the entire amount lost to one RSJ Shastri? There is no love lost between SCG and RSJS. Might as well stick it to him.

This was a six match series with 6 weeks gap between Test 1 and Test 2. I think some players were genuinely afraid that close exposure to physio has put them at high risk. Kohli’s request to wait for 2-3 days to see if some of the players turn positive was reasonable.

Also, the minute Shastri was diagnosed positive, the COViD protocol should have been escalated with daily RT-PCR test and masking while indoors. This could have probably alleviated some of the concerns.

This could be end of road for Shastri. Beware of what you wish for. Who would be the favorites for this position. Rahul DravId do not appear to be interested. am thinking that we should look for NZ coach. I was really impressed with their peformance in WTC. Their bowling rates were impressive and field placement perfect.

[S_K_S]

There are a lot of accusations from the Indian camp which are not acurate. To say that Kohli offered to delay the test but the ECB refused is not totally correct from everything I have read. Delaying the test match was discussed by BCCI and ECB on Thursday evening that is where it was headed. However, it was the Indian camp who poured water on the idea because of the fact that the virus has a gestation period of 2-3 days and therefore the concern was that players would be diagnosed positive during the test match. Even allowing for covid subs this would put the whole dressing room at risk. Indian players then sent a letter at midnight on Fri to the BBCI refusing to play.

[prasen9]

Not playing was the correct decision.

[Kumar]

Considering that Rohit could not play the IPL match, I am wondering if injuries to Pujara and Rohit played a bigger role than COVID considering that they were in form or rounding to form.