The first of four Test matches of the India-England series taking place at Chennai’s Chepauk stadium has an unusual problem which is getting the better of many fans who are watching the contest on television and online.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India  (BCCI) had ensured that no spectators would be allowed inside the stadium in the first match due to the risk of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the country and exposing the players to unknown potential sources of the virus.

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It should have meant that the stadium must be absolutely silent and the only noise audible should have been that of those playing on the field or possibly even the ones sitting in the respective dressing rooms.

However, the broadcasters decided to add artificial crowd noise to the feed and it hasn’t worked out well for everyone.

Please someone tell Star Sports to remove fake crowd noise ....#INDvsENG #INDvsENG_2021 #EngvsInd

— Shrey_Suriyal (@suriyal_shrey) February 6, 2021

Whatever the channel, I still hate fake crowd noise. #INDvsENG

— Jon Culley (@CulleyCricket) February 5, 2021

Crowd noise on the world feed has been lifted straight from the IPL edition of stick cricket #INDvsENG

— Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) February 5, 2021

Any chance @Channel4 can turn off the fake crowd noise everytime we play a shot. Loud cheering for one is getting quite annoying #INDvsENG

— Eddy (@ChrisEddy_7) February 5, 2021

I’ve got Sky anyway, but fantastic to see Test cricket on @Channel4. I’d rather they tone down the fake crowd noise personally though #INDvsENG

— Tim Chambers (@timchambers321) February 5, 2021

Fake crowd noise still doesn’t really improve does it? A boozy late afternoon cheer goes out for Dom Sibley miscuing a ball to point 🤷‍♂️ #INDvsENG

— Andrew Brookes (@andrewbrookes84) February 5, 2021

Thankfully, it has been confirmed that the second Test match, which will also take place in the same ground, will have spectators filling in 50% of the stadium’s seating capacity and the ‘fake crowd noise’ will be replaced by real cheers and boos.

"In view of the Government announcement that 50% occupancy would be allowed in stadia, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association will allow 50% spectators for the 2nd Test to be held between 13th and 17th February 2021,” the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association wrote in an issued statement. 

Chennai match, you can watch second match of #INDvsENG in Chepauk ground (50% occupancy approved). https://t.co/cd9dGcrRvL

— வெங்கி (தல_19:29_15/08/20) (@Venky20201) February 6, 2021

“Though the gap between the two Tests is only three days, we are confident that arrangements can be made for (50 per cent) fans in second Test keeping the safety norms in mind," a TNCA official said according to PTI.

As far as the first Test is concerned, England have already crossed the 450-run mark ahead of the third session of Day 2. Skipper Joe Root has carried forward his impeccable form which he gained during the two-Test series in Sri Lanka and has successfully struck a double century in the first innings.

The hosts on the other hand are struggling to look for ways to get rid of the English batsmen. India captain Virat Kohli is also being slammed for showing desperation on the field as he lost all three of his DRS reviews of the first innings on hasty calls which weren’t even close.

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