England unlikely to host West Indies for Test series
The possibility of England's home series against West Indies looks bleak, owing to the coronavirus pandemic. As per the previous announcements, there will be no professional cricket in UK until May 28 due to the outburst. Meanwhile, the first of the three-match Test series is scheduled to begin on June 4 at the Oval. Director of cricket Ashley Giles hinted at pushing the series.
"We have to look at alternatives. We are looking at how far back into the summer we can push cricket. We've got to look at trying to fulfil those current fixtures, just in a different place, if we can," said former England spinner Giles.
Following the Test series against West Indies, England are due to play Australia (three T20Is and ODIs), Pakistan (three Tests and T20Is) and Ireland (three ODIs). As per the current schedule, England will play their final international on September 15 (third ODI vs Ireland). Post that, England will be taking part in the T20 World Cup, which is set to commence on October 18.
Giles revealed that the board is open to a number of alternatives in order to improve their chances . "We have really good relations with these boards and we're doing whatever we can to look at scenarios where we can push our cricket back," he said. He added, "This would give us the best chance of playing as much international cricket as possible."
The upcoming Test series between Bangladesh and Australia was earlier deferred indefinitely, owing to the coronavirus pandemic. No schedule has been announced for the Test series following the postponement. Bangladesh were set to host Australia for two Tests in June. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board stated that it would work with Cricket Australia to find a future window for the series.
