The Australian camp has been rocked ahead of the fourth Ashes Test, with Travis Head testing positive for COVID-19.
The team’s flight to Sydney has been delayed, and the middle-order batter ruled out of the match, which starts on Thursday at the SCG.
“Head is asymptomatic and will remain in Melbourne and isolate with his partner for seven days in line with Victorian Government Health requirements,” a Cricket Australia statement read.
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The remainder of the squad, as well as families and staff, has undergone PCR and RAT tests.
Mitch Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have joined the squad as cover.
“As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily. Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive COVID-19 result earlier today. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage,” a CA spokesperson said.
Head is expected to be available for selection for the fifth Test in Hobart.
“We are grateful to our exceptional medical staff for all the work they have done throughout this series and we will continue to work with and support the players, their families and staff from both teams,” the spokesperson said.
It comes just a day after it was confirmed that English coach Chris Silverwood would miss the match at the SCG after a member of his family tested positive.
More to come…