ENG vs IND | First time in Test Cricket: Ollie Pope to field wearing a Sky camera in Edgbaston Test

Cricket, over the years, evolved into a high-stakes sport which saw some mind-boggling technological changes in the 21st century. The primary focus of all the broadcasters has always been enhancing the game and covering every minute detail of the match.

Following the innovation of stump cameras and stump mikes, Sky Sports have now come up with another interesting element in their cricket coverage, to enhance the overall viewing experience of the cricket fanatics. 

Innovation at its best from SKY

England star batter Ollie Pope, who is an outstanding fielder close to the bat and has taken some super catches at short leg in Test cricket so far, will be seen wearing a camera on his helmet during the rescheduled fifth Test between England and India at Edgbaston, starting Friday (July 1).

The camera will provide a unique view of the action on the ground for all five days of the match, which would further help the broadcasters to engage the audience. There will be no concerns with what one player says to another or other conversations on the field as it will not catch the noise but will only give views from the middle of the action. 

The all-interesting development from the Sky Sports broadcasters has been approved by both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as it will be the first time in the history of Test Cricket that a fielder will field with a camera on his helmet. 

Sky Sports had already tried this in the first edition of The Hundred last year, where Trent Rockets' Tom Moores wore a camera while donning the wicket-keeping gloves. The shots taken by the camera were superb and were highly appreciated. 

Meanwhile, England have already announced their playing XI for the one-off Test in Edgbaston. James Anderson, who missed the final Test against New Zealand, has been included in the playing XI for the fifth Test match. Sam Billings will keep donning the wickets for the Three Lions as Ben Foakes continues to recover from Covid-19. 

Meanwhile, the visitors are yet to confirm their playing XI as they're waiting for the update on skipper Rohit Sharma's health, who was tested COVID-19 positive a few days back.

Here's the playing XI for England:

England's Playing XI: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (captain), Sam Billings (wk), Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson.