India to play only three Tests in England

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday made it clear that India would play only three Test matches on their reciprocal tour of England next year, and not four as agreed to earlier.

BCCI sources on Tuesday said India would play only that many Tests on that tour as England play on their current visit here.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board said four Tests had already been agreed to and the itinerary was 'non- negotiable' now.

"Its too late to change the schedule," ECB spokesman David Clarke said in Bombay.

The sources said BCCI had requested England to play two extra one-day matches since India would play seven one-dayers in England in a triangular series if it reached the final.

But England turned down the request.

The sources said since England did not accede to the request, India would also not play four Tests but only three.

Mail Cricket Editor