Ashes 2021 LIVE: A couple of COVID positive cases among broadcasters have put the Ashes—the World’s biggest rivalry– broadcast in complete disarray. It saw the ABC and BBC commentary boxes empty for the first time, leading to fresh challenges for the coverage of the tournament. Former Australia, England superstars Glenn McGrath, Isa Guha were among those sidelined from their commentary duties. Follow Ashes 2021 live updates on InsideSport.IN
While McGrath missed Channel Seven’s telecast, England World Cup winner Isa Guha couldn’t feature in Fox Cricket. The two are also part of the BBC Test Match Special.
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Ashes broadcast in disarray, positive test in crew sidelines Glenn McGrath, Isha Guha and others
Fresh COVID-19 scare as journalist who interviewed Dawid Malan tests positive
The latest development comes a week after power failure affected the opening Test coverage at the Gabba, Brisbane with the loss of footage for 30 minutes.
- Fortunately, Guha has been cleared by SA Health to return to her broadcast duties after testing negative. Meanwhile, several media are undergoing six tests in 48 hours as per strict COVID protocols with the authorities not ruling out the possibility of more positive cases.
- Broadcasters could face more issues in the next two key matches- the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and New Year’s game in Sydney. The two cities are witnessing a spike in COVID cases, contingency plans are being drawn to split commentators and highly-skilled camera staff to minimise any positive cases.
- The close contacts will have to isolate for seven days and positive cases need to stay in isolation for 14 days.
On Sunday, a member of BBC TMS returned positive and later staff of Fox Cricket’s technical team was found as the second positive case. As a result, Fox Cricket didn’t use lab segments that provides in-depth analysis of batting techniques and tactics as it shut its virtual studio in the Stadium.
What comes as a big relief to England squad, the BBC journalist who tested positive was wearing a mask while interviewing Dawid Malan on Saturday night.
The Adelaide Oval venue management came up with separate statements for a couple of cases.
“We have been advised that a member of a broadcast crew has returned a positive COVID result as part of their scheduled test,” the Adelaide Oval management said in a statement.
“SA Health are aware and we have begun to trace and notify this person’s close contacts. In accordance with our pre-planning we are undertaking a deep clean of the relevant areas and are facilitating alternative facilities for relevant officials as required,” it added.
A later statement confirmed a second positive. “We have been made aware of a second member of the visiting media who has returned a positive COVID result as part of the scheduled day six testing,” venue management stated further.
“This individual was working in the media centre in the western stand. He has not attended the ground today and neither have his close contacts. We are undertaking a clean of the relevant media area in-line with our protocols. SA Health have been advised.”
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Ashes 2021 LIVE: Ashes broadcast in disarray, positive test in crew sidelines Glenn McGrath, Isha Guha and others
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