Former England bowler Steve Harmison has said the cancellation of the series-deciding match between England and India signals the "beginning of the end of Test cricket".
The fifth Test at Old Trafford was called off on the morning of the match after the tourists were unable to field a team due to concerns over Covid-19.
The match was due to get under way in Manchester at 11am but little more than two hours before the scheduled start a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the game would not be taking place.
Harmison said on talkSPORT Breakfast: "My initial thoughts are this is the end or the beginning of the end of Test cricket. When you're choosing to go down the road, that's gone.
"This decision would not have been taken lightly. It's certainly not the case they are hightailing it without having given it proper due consideration. It's a really sad day for the game."
Former England captain Nasser Hussain added: "I have a lot of sympathy with the Indian players as they've had two physios (test positive) and the second one would have been treating all the players with some sore bodies ahead of a fifth Test match.
"My actual sympathy is with the crowd. People would have taken days off work, booked hotels and you can imagine how people would have come here to watch this Test match with it set up perfectly – India 2-1 ahead and England looking to bounce back.
"It's a real shame that it has to end on such a low note."
