India v England Test Schedule

After the highs of conquering Australia for only the second time in the history, India play hosts to England in a four-match Test series. India are coming off a 2-1 historic win over Australia in Australia. The series captured the imagination of cricket fans all over, even as the Kangaroos’ bitter Ashes rivals England were winning in Sri Lanka!

The tour, that also includes five T20Is and three ODIs will mark the return of cricket to India since the COVID-19 pandemic. Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium will be the host for the first two Tests to be held from February 5-9 and February 13-17.

Both teams will then travel to Ahmedabad for the last two Tests to be played at the Motera Stadium. The third Test to be played as a day-night game will be played from February 24-28. The refurbished Motera will make its cricketing debut with that match. A capacity of 110,000 makes Motera the biggest ground in world cricket.

Although the COVID-19 scenario in India is a lot better now than last year, the first two Tests will be played behind closed doors. No decision is taken, as yet, on allowing crowds for the third Test and the local administrators are hoping to have at least 20-30% crowd back in for the third Test. 

A small aside to the series is the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals scenario. Currently, it is a three-way battle between Australia, New Zealand, and India but England have an outside chance. India have 430 points out of 600 contested giving them a 71% PCT. For the hosts to finish above New Zealand’s 70%, they need to defeat England by at least 2-0. Anything other than this would mean Australia vs South Africa series becomes important.

Coming to England’s chances, they currently have 412 points out of 600 contested giving them a PCT% of 68.7%. England need to defeat India by at least 3-0, while a 3-1 series win will need help from the Australia vs South Africa series.