The Manchester Test Saga Continues!! Due to COVID-19 chaos in the Indian camp, the fifth Test between India and England was suspended in Manchester, as the visitors were unable to take the field on Friday. It should be mentioned that after the match was cancelled, there were several rumours claiming that India was unwilling to take the field or push the Test owing to the start of the IPL 2021’s second leg. In a related development, former Pakistan cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq has backed India’s decision.

What Haq remarked in a video on his YouTube channel About The Final Test Of The Five-Match Series Between India and England?

Haq went on to say that India’s choice to skip the Manchester Test was right since all of the players would have been in close touch with the physiotherapist who had tested positive. Because the symptoms generally appear in 3-4 days, it may have caused a slew of issues for English players. India’s dominant mentality at The Oval, despite the absence of their head coach, was also praised by the former player.

“It is terrible that Covid prevented the fifth Test between India and England from taking place. It was a fantastic series, but India had to play the fourth Test without their coach and support personnel as well. But they showed a lot of heart on the field.”

It does make a lot of sense that the risk involved in this game was too much. Further, the planning for the series should have been better. Even Joe Root and co. would understand why the Manchester Test had to be postponed.

In Tests, Inzamam-Ul-Haq Discusses The Significance Of Physiotherapists

Haq went on to discuss the necessity of physiotherapists in Test matches, as well as how they work closely with players. Despite the fact that all of the players tested negative in the most recent round of COVID-19 testing, Haq believes it was impossible for visitors to enter the field without their physio.

“Playing without the support personnel is really tough. When you’re injured or have a niggle, you need a trainer or physiotherapist to help you heal and get back into shape. People must be asking why India withdrew despite the fact that all of its players were fit. The importance of physiotherapists and trainers cannot be overstated.”

“The physio’s work begins after a day of play in a Test match has ended. He has to take care of the players and maintain them in shape for the next day’s game. So it would be incorrect to suggest that India withdrew despite the fact that their players had tested negative.”

What Next For Team India Post The IPL 2021 Tournament?

Post the IPL 2021 tournament, Team India’s schedule is hectic once again. The Indian side will be playing a couple of warm-up games, following by the T20 World Cup. This made it important for the team to be mentally ready and the players fully fit.

Though the Manchester Test had to be postponed to 2022, it is a small price for the team. They have to be ready in time for the international tournament. This is something that Virat Kohli and co. surely understand. With that being said, their focus like any other team will be on winning the tournament.