New Delhi, June 25

The Indian cricket team will play two intra-squad games in Durham before the five-match Test series against England as Virat Kohli’s men are unlikely to get any warm-up First-Class games against county sides. The England series will start in Nottingham on August 4.

“Due to Covid-19 protocols, they will play two intra-squad four-day matches before the first Test in August,” an ECB spokesperson said.

Asked if there is any chance of a game against county sides, the spokesperson said, “No”.

In England, cricketers from various counties are regularly being tested for Covid but are not being kept in any bubble. The Indian team, once it assembles in London on July 14 and moves to Durham, will again be in a bubble.

India are currently travelling with 24 players — 20 in the official squad and four reserves — which will allow them to play intra-squad games.

However, legends like Sunil Gavaskar have questioned the amount of preparedness that a simulated match can give the team. The touring teams, in the past, have played multiple First-Class games against county sides. In simulated matches, a player can bat again if he gets out quickly unlike a proper First-Class match.

No selectors

The chairman of national selectors, Chetan Sharma, and another senior selector, Sunil Joshi, are not going to England for the five-Test series as strict quarantine rules have become an impediment. — PTI