The second Test of the two-match series between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston will witness 18,000 fans on each of first three days, the Edgbaston cricket ground administration has announced.
The move has now raised hopes for the presence of sizeable crowd at World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand, which will start from June 18 in Southampton.
Significantly, the Edgbaston Test is being termed as pilot event by United Kingdom government.
“Edgbaston’s LV=Insurance Test match named as pilot event. We will be able to host around 18,000 spectators each day. Ticket holders will be contacted via email regarding the next steps,” the Edgbaston cricket ground administration tweeted.
Also, the spectators, wishing to see the game, will be contacted through email and asked to follow the next few steps.
According to the government protocols, the ticket holders will have to present a negative COVID-19 test result from an NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test, completed within 24 hours in advance of the day they will attend the Test.
Meanwhile, the first Test between England and New Zealand, scheduled to be held at Lord’s from June 2, will be attended by 25 percent crowd capacity.
Earlier, there had been reports of allowing atleast 4,000 spectators for WTC final in Southampton.
“The UK Government’s roadmap for easing of Covid-related restrictions in England means that the Test match between England v New Zealand on 2-6 June will be limited to a reduced ground capacity of 25 percent. If you have purchased a ticket to this match, you will automatically receive a refund,” said a statement from Lord’s cricket ground administration.