Before entering the field on the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, two members of the England support staff and two family members tested positive for the Covid-19 after undergoing rapid antigen tests. Then all the players were quickly tested and the result came negative, hence the match started 30 minutes after the scheduled time. However, now there are various questions about how the series will be carried forward.
On the other hand, four people infected with Covid-19 have been kept in isolation. Cricket Australia (CA) said in a press statement that the PCR test will be done for the entire England team after the end of today’s match. Besides, both the teams have to be extra careful during the rest of the match.
Stuart Broad, Craig Overton, and another member of England’s coaching staff have been kept in isolation despite not having close contact with members who tested positive for Covid-19.
The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 has also had an impact off the field, with a member of the Channel 7 commentary team testing positive for the Covid-19. It was later reported that the man is now asymptomatic and in isolation at the moment.
The fourth Test will be played in Sydney in the New Year and the fifth Test will be played in Hobart. For the first time, the Tasmanian capital will host the Ashes. Hobart got the chance to host the match after Perth failed to swap the second Test with Adelaide. This match is also going to be the Pink Ball Test.
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