The second Test match between India and England is all set to be played in the presence of spectators at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. On Tuesday (February 2), the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association announced that it will allow 50% spectators for the 2nd Test to be held between 13th and 17th February 2021.
However, the stadium in Chepauk will be shut for the crowd for the first Test of the four-match series. "In view of the Government announcement that 50% occupancy would be allowed in stadia, #TNCA will allow 50% spectators for the second Test between India and England. The first Test will be played behind closed doors without spectators", a tweet from the official Twitter handle of TNCA stated.
The upcoming series against England will be India's first international assignment at home since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The series will be important for both the teams that are eyeing the final of the
ICC World Test Championship set to be played at Lord's in July.
After Australia's tour of South Africa canceled, India would need to beat England by a margin of 4-0, 3-0, 3-1, 2-0, or 2-1 to book a place in the final of WTC, for which, New Zealand has automatically qualify after Australia and South Africa series canceled. For England to qualify, they would need to win at least three Tests out of the four in India.
Stay tuned...