Rajkot likely to host India-England Test this year
After serving as the perfect hosts to Gujarat Lions this season and having hosted two ODIs in the past, Rajkot is likely to be rewarded with its first ever Test match. The stadium which was accorded the Test status only last year, is likely to host one, when England visit India later this year.
Saurashtra Cricket Association’s honorary secretary,Niranjan Shah voiced his delight. "There are eight Tests slotted to be played in India this year. The New Zealanders will be coming in October for three Tests while the England team will tour India in November to play five Tests. Most likely, SCA will get to host one of the England Test matches," said the veteran to the TOI.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who hails from Saurashtra, was equally enthused by the prospect.
"It will be a big thing in Rajkot and people will love it. Ours is a small town and people here appreciate every kind of cricket being played here," said the batsman.
Rajkot has already hosted two One-Days in the past, India-England in 2013 and India-South Africa in 2015 and is now the home ground of the new IPL franchise Gujarat Lions.