It is certainly a disappointing and frustrating way for the series to end. It's not what any of us wanted.

This cancellation also marks the end of the men's international summer so now seems a good time for me to thank you for joining us.

It is not the end of the cricket, however. England's women continue their white-ball matches against New Zealand on Thursday and there's still a whole load of county cricket to come.

Do join us for that.

We'll leave this page here but follow the links below for more on what has been a busy and disappointing morning in English cricket.

• Fifth Test cancelled amid Covid-19 concerns
• Rafiq was a victim of racial harassment and bullying - Yorkshire release summary of report finding

Image source, Getty Images

Nick Cloke: Gutted. Annual tradition of me, my brother and cousins visiting a different Test ground each year is scuppered. Front-row seats transferred from last year now to be forfeited entirely. Train, accommodation and restaurant bookings to waste too. We needed this weekend!

Here's a bit more from Tom Harrison on a similar topic - the state of this winter's Ashes series.

He says a postponement is "off the table".

"We are due to play across large parts of Australia where the rules are different and they could changer very quickly," Harrison said.

"We are working with Cricket Australia and we have huge sympathy with the Australian government.

"No-one is being unreasonable here. I suspect a postponement is off the table. The Ashes is a massive deal. That's probably not where we are going to end up. It is an iconic Test series that fans are going to want to see."

Lancashire have apologised to ticket holders and say they are "absolutely devastated" about the late cancellation of this Test.

"A full refund will be issued, but we appreciate for many supporters, attending this Test match is more than just the monetary worth," chief executive Daniel Gidney said.

"After the last 18 months we’ve all experienced through the pandemic, it’s a fixture cricket fans in the North West have looked forward to for the best part of 18 months."

Mike Gormley: The logical time to play the fifth test between England and India is at Hobart in place of the soon to be cancelled Afghanistan Test.

Harrison says a rescheduled match would be a standalone Test rather than a continuation of this series.

That suggests this series will go down as a 2-1 India win.

Alison Mitchell
BBC Test Match Special

The schedule is so condensed now that there isn’t an easy way to just pop in a Test match. Sides will want a warm-up game - they are becoming fewer and far between. Everything is concertinaed. Leaving here to go straight to the IPL, then on to the T20 World Cup and then England go straight to the Ashes.

It's not really laughing matter but was it even a good Eggs Benedict, Marc?

Marc Gridley: We travelled yesterday from Norwich, having had postponed tickets from last year. Was a long way to come for an Eggs Benedict.

Tom Harrison is now speaking to Sky.

He says this is "not an outbreak" among India's players "but a perception of what might happen post the physio testing positive".

Again he says the India players were not in a position mentally to play because of that.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

It has been an enthralling series. Who knows what would have happened? It's a huge disappointment for every day, from whatever aspect you are coming at this.

Carters_kicks_collection: India prioritising the IPL they have a chance for a famous victory in England but go for the riches. Nail in the coffin for Test cricket.

India are due to tour England for white-ball matches next summer. That is an obvious possibility for when this match could be played, if it is rearranged.

England could have some of their fast bowlers back fit by then!

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison: "The outcome of this game is not one for today. Thoughts will turn to that soon. It is a decision for the ICC in the context of the World Test Championship.

"It's not something that concerns us unduly. We expect the people in place to make those decisions will make them."

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

India have got the biggest muscles in cricket. It’s all about the monetary side of what they bring and what they deliver.

The ECB will not want to fall out with the BCCI. The world game does not want to fall out with the Indian cricket board. They are the powerhouse but somehow somewhere I do believe muscles have to start to be flexed because they just control the game.

Things like this, they seem to be able to do what they want at any time and everyone has to accept it. I know we are in strange times, a period of our lives that is different, but for a long time the BCCI have been able to act how they want, when they want.

Deep Dasgupta
Former India wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

From a player's perspective, they’re all in isolation. They’ve locked themselves up. Most of them are here with their families. A lot of them are here with their kids, so what happens if the parents test positive? The physio, Yogesh Parmar, is double vaccinated but he’s tested positive. Those with their kids over are petrified with what’s happening.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison: "Hopefully we can get this Test on some other time, but it won't be the same as it having the conclusion after four brilliant matches.

"The BCCI, this India team and their captain want to make their mark in Test cricket. I don't think the IPL should worry people who feel there is an agenda is at place here.

"I was on the phone all night. Once those fears creep in they can be very hard to shift. There are no winners in this one.

"100% the BCCI wanted to get this game on. There is a strong relationship between the ECB and BCCI. We will definitely come through this, probably even stronger than we went in."

Simon Mahon: The ticket I had for this match seems cursed. It was bought in late 2019 for a Pakistan Test that never happened and rolled over for an India Test cancelled for Covid. Worried what will happen if I put the refunded money towards our wedding.