Test starts on time

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The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the two-match series will begin in Ahmedabad on December 11, contrary to previous suggestions that it might be shifted back 24 hours.

India were understood to have proposed the match start late to ensure their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not end up with an uncomfortable rush, should his IPL team Chennai Super Kings reach the Champions League final.

That day-night showpiece event is to take place on December 10 in Chennai, with the first Test set to start only hours later.

But IPL boss Lalit Modi on Tuesday made it clear there will be no switch after all - an assurance subsequently confirmed by an ECB spokesman on tour in India.

"No such thing will happen," Modi, also vice-president of the Indian board, told BBC Sport. "We looked at rationalising the schedule, but it's not possible."

Dhoni is the only player from either side involved in the inaugural Champions League.

Modi added: "We don't even know if Chennai will be in the final, because the Champions League is yet to start.

"But whatever happens, Dhoni will definitely play in the first Test, starting as scheduled on December 11."

Had the Ahmedabad fixture been shunted back, there would have had to be either a very short turnaround before the second Test in Mumbai or another late start - raising the prospect of a Christmas Eve finish to the tour, which would have found little favour with England's players.