England are set to play three Tests against West Indies and three against Pakistan this summer
ECB, WCB and the PCB are looking towards obtaining Coronavirus changes during the English Summer Test series against West Indies and Pakistan.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over changes to the playing conditions.
The ICC warns players of using saliva to shine the leather ball and subsequently looks at banning the use of it to shine the ball amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Whether this move will affect the outcome of the game is yet to be discussed.
At present, a player can only be replaced when suffering a concussion. The rule implemented after the tragic death of Australian Phil Hughes.
A substitute player may be permitted for an injured or ailing player but the substitute would neither be permitted to bat nor bowl.
This Coronavirus change will only apply to Test cricket but not to One Day and Twenty20 internationals
ECB director of events Steve Elworthy said: “There are still some considerations from an ICC perspective about a Covid-19 replacement. That still needs to be agreed.
“I would hope that would be in place well before the Test series starts in July.”
The English Cricket Board is yet to announce details of a revamped summer schedule, although that has been delayed until Monday at the earliest.
The three-Test series, which was originally scheduled for June had been postponed due to the global pandemic. The ECB notes that all Cricket in the country have been halted at least till the 1st of June.
England will play Ireland in an ODI encounter, followed by a series against a visiting Pakistani team
“From a planning point of view, we have got everything in place,” said Elworthy. “We’re ready for it, but clearly we don’t want to stray outside of government guidelines and government decision-making.”
England have named a group of 55 that have been asked to return to training, including 14 uncapped players
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