Eighty percent crowd capacity has been allowed for the third ODI between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston next month as part of the UK Government's Events Research Programme (ERP).As per the allowance, Edgbaston would be able to accommodate up to 19,000 spectators including those under the age of 16 "in the stadium bowl and hospitality lounges without social distancing as part of the research study. "Those aged 11 or older attending the game will need to produce a negative COVID Lateral Flow Test result or proof of two vaccinations at least 14 days before the game to be allowed entry.
Edgbaston was also allowed to operate with 70 per cent capacity for the second Test between England and New Zealand earlier this month, with 60,000 spectators watching the game across four days. However, on that occasion, under-16s weren't part of the trials."It's fantastic for sport in the West Midlands that so many cricket fans will be able to enjoy another blockbuster fixture in England versus Pakistan at Edgbaston," said Stuart Cain, Chief Executive of Warwickshire cricket. "The recent Test match gave us a fantastic opportunity to build a new model for large scale sporting events and I'm pleased to see elements of this first trial being carried forward for the Pakistan match. "Technology played a big part in this and we will again focus on using this as a way of creating a safe environment whilst enhancing Edgbaston's reputation as one of the best atmospheres in world cricket," Cain added. The game is the third and final 50-over match of the series, a day-night encounter scheduled to take place on July 13.
