The fifth Test between India and England is likely to go ahead as scheduled, with the host association confirming that cyclone Vardah, which swept through Chennai on Monday, has not unduly affected the pitch and outfield at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The Test match is scheduled to begin on Friday.
“The assuring part is that the pitch and the outfield has not been affected by the cyclone,” Kasi Viswanathan, the secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, told PTI. “But sightscreen has been damaged. The bulbs have blown off, air conditioners damaged.
“There have been hundreds of tree trunks lying in the road leading up to the stadium. Our challenge is to set everything in order in the next two days. I am confident we will be able to set everything right.”
Viswanathan also confirmed that the three stands of the stadium that have been locked by the Chennai Corporation for the last four years over a dispute with the TNCA would remain closed during the Test match.
Both teams flew into Chennai on Tuesday, as per schedule.