Ashes 2021 LIVE: COVID-19 cases rocks England- A COVID-19 case rocked England hours ahead of Day 2 bringing the Boxing Day Test in England in disarray. A couple of support staff and two family members tested positive, leaving a question mark on Boxing Day Test. The affected individuals have been isolated. Both teams will take extra precautions throughout the play. Follow Ashes 3rd Test live on InsideSport.IN.
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Boxing Day Test goes ahead despite 4 COVID-19 cases in England camp- Follow LIVE updates
After negative COVID reports in lateral flow tests, the England team had been given the all-clear to travel to the MCG, Melbourne with a departure from the hotel imminent. The play has been delayed by 30 minutes, confirmed Cricket Australia.
The players will undergo an RT-PCR test later in the day to ensure COVID safety required for the tournament.
There is currently no further impact on fans or other parts of the venue.
CA confident Ashes series not in jeopardy- Cricket Australia is confident that the series will go ahead as planned. “If further dramas hit the Test, like-for-like substitutes can be used after being approved by the ICC last year for players showing symptoms,” said a report published by Cricket Australia.
CEO Nick Hockley put aside all the fears giving a green signal to Sydney & Hobart Test.
“This is what we’ve all been working towards, this is what the protocols are for,” Hockley told reporters.
“Clearly we are being extra vigilant as there are increasing cases in the community. But our protocols are designed for this set of events. We’ve got very comprehensive testing regimes and the players have been absolutely fantastic. It’s ultimately about everyone taking personal responsibility. We’ll keep working hard to make sure, primarily, everyone is kept very safe,” he added.
He further added that charter planes would be used and hotels will take care to ensure minimum risk amid the ongoing COVID situation in Australia.
“We’ve got great confidence in the protocols. There are increasing case numbers in New South Wales but in Sydney we’ve got an exclusive property, we’re flying there by charter. This is something we’re having to live with … absolutely we’re committed to continuing the tour,” Hockey signed off.
But CA are wary after India had pulled out at the last minute during the Test series in England ahead of the 5th Test due to multiple COVID positive cases.
They will continue to monitor the situation and ensure COVID protocols are followed strictly. The cancellation of any of these games would lead to a multi-million dollar loss for CA.
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Boxing Day Test goes ahead despite 4 COVID-19 cases in England camp- Follow LIVE updates
Earlier in the day, a statement from the England Cricket Board read: “The England team and management are currently at the team hotel awaiting results of RFT COVID tests following a positive test in the team’s family group. We will provide more information in due course.”
The England team and management are currently at the team hotel awaiting results of RFT COVID tests following a positive test in the team’s family group.
We will provide more information in due course.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 26, 2021
However, Cricket Australia confirmed that the players have tested negative and the match will go ahead after a brief 30 minutes delay. In a statement, Cricket Australia wrote:
“Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England Cricket Team’s support staff and two of their family members have returned a positive COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. The affected individuals are currently isolating.”
“The entire playing group and all other support staff have undertaken Rapid Antigen Tests this morning and all have tested negative. The England team will also have PCR tests today, and both teams will take extra precautions throughout the play. Both playing squads remain unchanged.”
“There is currently no further impact on fans or other parts of the venue. Cricket Australia and the MCC will continue to monitor the situation and follow the endorsed Victorian Government COVID-Safe Event Plan.”
OFFICIAL STATEMENT #Ashes
Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England Cricket Team’s support staff and two of their family members have returned a positive COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. The affected individuals are currently isolating.
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— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 26, 2021
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Boxing Day Test goes ahead despite COVID-19 cases in England camp- Follow LIVE updates
Local broadcaster tests positive – Meanwhile, a member of Australia’s local broadcaster Seven Cricket tested positive for COVID on Sunday. Former England captain Michael Atherton, Brad Hodge and Lisa Sthalekar are part of the channel 7 commentary.
Things will look a little different today…#Ashes pic.twitter.com/zigGm1HjUJ
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2021
“The Seven Network confirms it is responding after a member of staff working on the Ashes broadcast at the MCG tested positive to COVID-19 on Sunday night,” tweeted 7 Cricket
“Seven is activating its COVID measures to ensure the health and safety to all staff, as well as the broader community, and is working in line with all relevant guidelines and regulations. We are working closely with the MCG operational team and Cricket Australia,” it added.
More than 2000 cases in Victoria has put a question mark on the smooth conduct of the Ashes series. Last week, a couple of broadcasters had tested positive while Australia skipper Pat Cummins was ruled out of Adelaide Test after close contact with COVID positive case.
Among notable broadcasters from BBC Test Match Special – Ricky Ponting, Ian Botham, Isa Guha and Glenn McGrath had survived the COVID scare but they were forced to go live from the ground as the commentary box was sealed.
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Ashes 2021 LIVE: Boxing Day Test goes ahead despite COVID-19 cases in England camp
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