West Indies approve England’s proposal of playing Tests in bio-secure environment

West Indies approve England’s proposal: The three-match Test series might well resume international cricket amidst COVID-19 scare.

It was only yesterday that the England Cricket Board ruled out the possibility of conducting domestic cricket in the country until August. However, the ruling won’t affect England’s prospect of hosting West Indies for a three-match Test series in July.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic hitting England in their peak summer, it seems they will be the first nation to host international cricket especially after West Indies have approved their proposal of playing in a bio-secure environment.

“The Board gave approval in principle for the proposed upcoming West Indies Test tour of England. The decision comes only after CWI medical and cricket-related representatives and advisors have been involved in detailed discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB], and their own medical and public health advisers,” Cricket West Indies (CWI) said in a statement.

West Indies approve England’s proposal

A potential challenge lying in front of West Indies is bringing all their players to one location before flying to England for the Test series. There is no hiding to the fact that the same will involve sincere efforts given how islands come under various governments.

“CWI’s management is now in the process of seeking to put all of the approvals and logistics in place within the Caribbean, including seeking permission from the various National Governments to facilitate the movement of players and support staff, using private charter planes and conducting medical screenings and individual COVID-19 testing for all members of the touring party,” read the statement.

It is worth mentioning that England have shortlisted Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl and Lancashire’s Old Trafford (both facilities have on-site hotels) as two venues for the Test series which is most likely to commence on July 8 with West Indies reaching England next month.

Most recently, former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, fast bowler Pat Cummins and batsman Usman Khawaja, veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh, Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq and veteran New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor have been vocal about playing top-level cricket without spectators.

Addressing the matter, West Indies have also confirmed the series being played without spectators. “CWI has also received and reviewed detailed plans for players and staff to be kept in a bio-secure environment for the duration of the tour, with all matches being played ‘behind closed doors,” read the statement.