The final test match between England vs India at Old Trafford has been cancelled, leaving thousands of fans frustrated just hours before the match was due to start.

With the series poised at 2-1 to the visitors, the final test has now been cancelled - leaving the result of the series in doubt.

An initial statement from the ECB stated that India had forfeited the match has since been removed from the copy, which now reads:

"Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are unable to field a team and will regrettably instead forfeit the match.

"We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many."

India cancelled a practice session on Thursday after a number of support staff tested positive for the virus, while head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive ahead of India's fourth-test victory at The Oval last week.

The announcement was not without controversy, however, with plenty of discussions on social media orientating around the start of the IPL series - where a number of Indian players are contracted.

With the news breaking just two hours before play was due to start at Old Trafford, the news will be devastating to thousands of England fans due to attend - many of whom would have likely started their journey to the ground already.

Details on the result of the test series or a potential rematch being played are now due to follow, with the battles now set to rumble on among the executives.

India visits England next year for the White Ball Series and it has been suggested that the ECB has given India an option to complete the 5th Test then.