Test cricket to be played without audience for the first time in 143 years

International cricket is starting in England amidst Coronavirus outbreak after 116 days. The first match of the three-Test series between England and West Indies will be played from today. The match will take place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton. England have not lost any match on this ground so far. The hosts have played three matches here. They beat India in two matches, while one was a draw against Sri Lanka.

For the first time in the 143-year history, test match will will be without an audience

This will be the first time in the history of 143 years of the game, when a Test match will be played without an audience. The world’s first official Test was played from 15 March 1877. The biggest thing is that this match will be played in the empty stadium in the same country (England) that started cricket.

Head to head

Till now 157 Tests have been played between England and West Indies. Of these, England won 49 Tests, lost 57 and drew 51 matches. At the same time, the English team won 34 of 86 matches against the Windies at home and lost in 30. While there are 22 draws.

England will have to win the match for their claim to the Test Championship. In the current point table, England are ranked fourth with 146 points after playing 9 matches. At the same time, Team India is on top with 360 points, with Australia in the second spot.

England will reach number three in Championship after sweeping series

According to the championship rules, 120 points have been set for each series. The winning team gets points according to the match of the series. In the three-Test series between England and West Indies, the team that wins the match will get 40 points. If the England team makes a clean sweep in the series, it will move to number three with 266 points.