ENG vs IND: ECB didn't prepare specific bio bubble after UK opened from COVID-19 restrictions

The final Test between India and England got cancelled at Manchester due to the COVID-19 scare in the Indian camp. Earlier, Ravi Shastri contracted COVID-19 and later assistant physiotherapist of the team tested positive for the virus. It was later reported by ECB that team India would not be able to take the field on September 10 and hence the game stands cancelled.

It has to be noted that when the team travelled from London to Leeds during the 3^rd week of August, it coincided with the UK government’s decision of opening the UK from COVID-19 protocols. While the protocols got lenient, the basic precautions like wearing masks and social distancing were not even taken into consideration. In fact, no separate bubble was allotted to team India like it was done when they reached UK for the first time for the final of WTC.

When it was checked in Leeds hotel, it was realized that its restraw and café facilities were open to the common public. Also, the lifts which were used by players were used by the common public. It has been now reported that BCCI and ECB are closely working to find a window next year to play the final match of this series.

Only in Nottingham, team India had the proper bio bubble, says a close source

“It was the same in Manchester too, where we have once again been put up at a hotel in the city-center that is open to everyone. Only in Nottingham, the entire hotel was occupied by just the two teams because it was even smaller compared to the ones at Leeds and Manchester,” said BCCI traveling member as quoted by The Times of India.

“So, what we don’t understand is, what bubble or Covid-related precautions are everybody talking about when the whole country itself is free and open for all? The player goes into a lift and there’s an outsider using it at the same time. If you walk into the hotel restaurant, it’s open for all. So, what restrictions? So, the danger was either always lurking or nobody – including the cricket boards – cared,” the source added.