India vs England 2021: how to watch TV coverage of first match in the Test series - and full list of fixtures

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Channel 4 was in competition with Sky Sports and BT for TV rights of England's tour of India

England's cricketers are set to embark on the second leg of their winter touring schedule in India - but what TV channel has the broadcast rights in the UK?

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The four match Test series will see Joe Root's England side look to continue their encouraging start to 2021, following a 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka in January.

Root, who is in fine form having hit centuries in both matches in Galle, will lead his team against a buoyant India side who completed a thrilling 2-1 series win in Australia.

England cricket Test captain Joe Root will be looking to build on his two hundreds with the bat in Sri Lanka. (Pic: Getty Images)England cricket Test captain Joe Root will be looking to build on his two hundreds with the bat in Sri Lanka. (Pic: Getty Images)
England cricket Test captain Joe Root will be looking to build on his two hundreds with the bat in Sri Lanka. (Pic: Getty Images)
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India are unbeaten on home soil since 2012, when Sir Alastair Cook's England side completed a 2-1 series win, in what is shaping up to be a mouthwatering contest.

When is India v England first test?

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The first of four Test matches in India is scheduled to start on Friday 5 February. The five-day Test match will run over the weekend and into early next week, with the fifth day on Tuesday 9 February.

The second Test starts on Saturday 13 February, the third Test begins on Wednesday 24 February and the fourth Test is scheduled to start on 4 March. All of the Test matches are scheduled for five days.

What time is India v England first test in the UK?

England tours over the winter tend to take place far away from home soil in countries closer to the equator to take advantage of the sunnier climates this time of year.

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However, due to the different time zones around the world, that often means following the cricket can mean early mornings for many fans here in the UK.

Friday's Test is scheduled to start at 4am UK time.

Where will India v England first test be held?

The tour will see India v England play in Chennai and Ahmedabad.

The first Test will take place in Chennai at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, which has been the spiritual home of cricket in the state since 1916.

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According to a report in the Times of India, there might be fans in the ground due to a relaxation of Covid restrictions in the country meaning 50% seating capacity for all sports events.

The stadium has a 50,000 capacity, meaning up to 25,000 fans could witness the Test between India and England in Chennai.

How to watch India v England?

Channel 4 has won the race to broadcast live footage of England’s four Test match tour of India on TV.

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It means England's Test team will appear on terrestrial TV for the first time since the historic 2005 Ashes series held in England.

Sky Sports and BT Sport were in the running, too, to secure the rights from Star India, who had previously planned on showing the matches through its online streaming service.

Sky Sports has shown the majority of England's tours since the 1990s and has also been at the front of the queue when home series right have been available to purchase.

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Though Channel 4 has clinched the TV rights the series could still be shown on satellite under the agreement, which also allows additional digital partners.

Can I stream India v England?

Star India, who control the rights to Indian cricket, had considered streaming England's tour of India on its service Hotstar, which is available in the UK.

That may remain the case but could also be part of the discussion with those channels looking to claim the broadcasting rights in the UK.

How to listen to India v England on radio?

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One aspect of the India v England tour coverage has been settled - radio.

BBC's popular Test Match Special will provide some coverage of the tour but to listen to ball by ball action, UK-based fans can tune in to TalkSport2.

The radio station has the rights to the four Test matches, five T20 and three ODIs which will take place between India and England over the coming weeks.

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Darren Gough, a former England bowler, has been part of TalkSport's team for a number of years now and will be part of the broadcast personnel for radio coverage of the India tour.

He will be joined by former England players such as Matt Prior and Steve Harmison.