After Cricket Australia (CA), even the England Cricket Board have laid out a plan to return to normal life with crowds returning in the wake of the pandemic.
England men's home International schedule for 2021 includes a five-Test series against India, with proposed visits to Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the month of June and July.
The schedule announced on Wednesday is a provisional one and subject to changes depending on how things pan out amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Two multi-format series against South Africa and New Zealand have also been announced, but for the England women's team.
Considering the pandemic's situation later on, a series for the visually impaired may also be held against Australia in the month of August.
Having to bear losses worth £100m in excess for the 2020 summer season, the delayed start to the season and the absentee of fans, ECB have made an effort to put forth the best possible scenario for the 2021 season.
That also includes a launch of the ticket ballot on Wednesday, promising a full refund in event of further fan lock-outs in the new year.
Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive said, "We had an amazing summer of international cricket this year with some memorable performances, and we know how much enjoyment it brought to people whilst staying at home."
He then spoke about the planned schedule considering the test series against India as the 'centre-piece.' He also hoped that the circumstances get better and the series against India is played with a jam-packed crowd at every possible venue.
The England-India series will be an away one for the English, commencing in the month of February. The series may be played at UAE considering how things turn out in the future.
The series is hoped to begin on August 4 at Trent Bridge, followed by games at Lord's, Headingley, and the Oval before the final test in Manchester on September 14.
Sri Lanka will also visit England for a three-ODI series between June 29 to July 4 prior to the series against India.
Pakistan will be arriving too for three T20Is and ODIs in between July 8 and 20. The status regarding the ICC World Test Championship Final is also not confirmed which had been due to be played at Lord's.
If possible, a series against New Zealand or Ireland may also be on the cards considering the COVID-19 scenario.
Featured image credits- ecb.co.uk
