Members of the Indian and England cricket teams have returned three negative tests for Covid-19 during their six-day quarantine, clearing the way for their first full strength net sessions three days before the opening Test begins in Chennai on Friday.

“The Indian Cricket Team completed their quarantine period today in Chennai. Three RT-PCR tests for Covid-19 were conducted at regular intervals and all tests have returned negative results… nets sessions will begin from tomorrow (Tuesday),” the BCCI said on Monday.

Spectator talk

According to reports, the BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association have decided to allow 50 per cent of the total capacity of spectators for the second India-England Test, which too will be held in Chennai from February 13.

The BCCI is understood to be in talks with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on the proposal. Neither board has officially commented.

Prior to the tour, the ECB had requested their Indian counterparts that matches be played behind closed doors.