India vs England: Hope to play another international game at my home ground, says James Anderson over cancelled Manchester Test

Tags: India tour of England, 2021, India, England, England vs India, 5th Test at Manchester, Sep 10-14, 2021, James Michael Anderson

Published on: Sep 12, 2021

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Legendary England pacer James Anderson has expressed sadness over the cancellation of the fifth and final Test against India at Old Trafford in Manchester. The last Test of the series was due to start on September 10. It was, however, called off after COVID-19 cases in the Indian camp.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Anderson posted an emotional message, hoping he would get another opportunity to play at his home. The veteran cricketer lamented the unexpected end to the series and also said that he was gutted for the supporters who had traveled to watch the team play in Manchester.

"It's such a shame the summer of international cricket ended this way. I'm gutted for everyone at @lancashirecricket, for the fans who paid for tickets/trains/hotels, for both sets of supporters that wanted to see the finish this series deserved," he said.

"I hope it will be played again at some point and I hope I will get to play another international game at my home ground that I love so much," Anderson added. The 39-year-old had an impressive run in the series against England, claiming 15 wickets at an average of 24.67.

The fifth and final Test between India and England was cancelled after COVID-19 cases in the Indian camp. First head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive and was sent into isolation along with the support staff. Two members of the support staff also returned COVID positive tests later. Then, on the eve of the Manchester Test, the team’s physio also tested COVID positive. The Indian camp got jittery over taking the field after this development.

After intense discussions between BCCI and the ECB, the Test was eventually cancelled. The BCCI has agreed to reschedule the Test and it could possibly be played during India’s white-ball tour of England in July next year.

India were 2-1 ahead when the series was cancelled. The first Test at Trent Bridge ended in a draw after rain washed out the entire last day’s play. India went 1-0 up with an impressive 151-run lead at Lord’s. The hosts, however, fought back with a crushing innings win at Headingley before India took the honours at The Oval.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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