Although the Indian players tested negative for the virus, anxiety over potential health risks resulted in the match’s postponement.India were leading the series 2-1 and had a chance to achieve a historic win in England.
The development sparked debates, with some questioning if health concerns or player reluctance were primary factors.
“Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team,” the ECB had said in a statement.
“We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.”
The BCCI and ECB later negotiated to reschedule the match, which was eventually played in July 2022.
India’s tour of England in 2021 was originally scheduled to include five Test matches. After a drawn opening Test at Trent Bridge, Virat Kohli’s side won the second Test at Lord’s by 151 runs.
England responded strongly in the third Test at Headingley, defeating India by an innings and 76 runs, leveling the series at 1-1 after three matches.
India fought back in the fourth Test, thanks to a brilliant 127 from Rohit Sharma, winning it by 157 runs.
However, the rescheduling of the fifth and final Test in Manchester due to the COVID outbreak denied India the chance to secure their first Test series win on English soil since 2007, when they won the three-match series 1-0 under the leadership of Rahul Dravid.
When India returned to England in 2022 for the rescheduled Test, they aimed to create history but ultimately lost the match by seven wickets, resulting in a 2-2 series draw.
Apart from Dravid in 2007, only Ajit Wadekar (1971) and Kapil Dev (1986) have led India to Test series triumphs on English soil.
