LONDON Dec 11: The England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Chief Executive Tim Lamb has been given full authority by its management board to conduct urgent negotiations with India over its threat not to play the fourth Test on next summer’s tour of England.

Lamb was given the mandate to conduct talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the ECB management Board met here Monday to break the deadlock over the number of matches to be played by India during their tour to this country next year.

Lamb briefed the management board about his recent trip to India where he had discussions with Indian Board chief Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Niranjan Shah. Lamb also presented a report on his discussions with the English players over the issue.

The management board was to decide on the Indian demand for playing an extra one-day match when England return to the sub-continent after a Christmas and New Year break following the three-match Test series.

India has asked England to play a sixth one-dayer to compensate for an extra limited overs match that they have to play in a triangular series, also involving Sri Lanka, on their return tour.

India also asked them to play five Tests instead of the scheduled four when England visit their country again in 2004-05 to compensate for the fourth Test they have to play in England next summer.

England said it was not possible demands since their team had a very hectic schedule.—PPI