Just 90 minutes before play, the fifth Test between India and England in 2021 was scrapped
India's tour of England in 2021 was billed as a showdown. Four matches had gone by, each swinging like a pendulum. India was up 2-1 and walking into Old Trafford with a chance to seal a historic Test series victory on English soil—something they hadn't done since 2007.
But the cricketing gods had other plans. Just 90 minutes before the scheduled toss, the fifth Test was called off—not due to pitch trouble or the weather, but because of a pandemic-shaped ghost looming large over the Indian camp.
Credit: TOI
The writing was already on the wall. Ravi Shastri, then India's head coach, had tested positive during the fourth Test at The Oval. Soon after, other members of the coaching and support staff, including lead physio Nitin Patel and bowling coach Bharat Arun, were forced into isolation.
Midway through the series, assistant physio Yogesh Parmar took over. However, just days before the fifth Test, Parmar too tested positive for COVID-19. That lit the fuse. He had been in close contact with several key players — Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammed Shami, and others. Although the rest of the squad tested negative, the fear of a fresh outbreak crept in.
India found themselves in a tight corner. Field a team under stress, or stay put and pull out?
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The team's WhatsApp group buzzed with activity on the morning of the match. One message — "The match has been called off. It's important that each one of you stay in your room." Moments later, another pinged in — a note about breakfast. It epitomised the chaos.
It was a moment of disbelief for the fans, broadcasters, and even players. The series had reached its peak. And then — nothing. No toss. No Day One drama. Just silence in the stands and confusion on all fronts.
Credit: India Today
While the official stance centred on health concerns, whispers in the corridors pointed to the IPL looming just nine days later. The BCCI didn't want to risk another outbreak that could derail the biggest T20 tournament.
However, cancelling the Test wasn't a straightforward decision. The ECB hinted it could be regarded as a forfeiture. That would have meant India conceding the match — and the series — to England. With potential losses nearing £30 million, both boards scrambled to reach a compromise.
Ultimately, the Test wasn't forfeited. It was postponed, a word that offered hope.
Credit: NDTV
Up until that point, the 2021 series had delivered in every sense. The first Test ended in a draw at Trent Bridge, followed by India's epic 151-run victory at Lord's in the second Test.
England staged a comeback in the third Test at Headingley, but in the fourth Test, Rohit Sharma's century propelled India to a remarkable 157-run win. However, then came the non-starter at Old Trafford.
Credit: ESPN
The rescheduled Test took place in July 2022 at Edgbaston. By that time, Rohit was unavailable due to COVID-19, and Jasprit Bumrah had captained the side. Despite India's lead in the first innings, England chased down 378 — their highest successful chase in Test history — and levelled the series at 2-2.
So, the historic win India had dreamt of? It slipped away.
