New Zealand Tour of Bangladesh (BAN vs NZ): Ex RCB cricketer Finn Allen tests positive after landing in Dhaka- New Zealand and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Finn Allen has tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Bangladesh. He is fully vaccinated and passed all his pre-departure tests in England but then tested positive 48 hours after arrival in Dhaka. Allen had played for Birmingham Phoenix in the recently concluded The Hundred.
The former RCB batsman has been quarantined at the team’s hotel and immediate advice is that he is experiencing moderate symptoms. Finn Allen is receiving treatment from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief medical officer; has been in contact with NZC’s chief medical officer, and will be monitored during his stay in quarantine by BlackCaps doctor Pat McHugh. Once he has undergone treatment and the statutory period of isolation, and has tested negative for COVID-19 on consecutive days, Finn Allen will be cleared to re-join his teammates.
BAN vs NZ: New Zealand manager Mike Sandle said from Dhaka he was in constant contact with Finn Allen and was confident the Wellington Firebirds right-hander was receiving the best of care from the Bangladesh authorities.
“It’s really unfortunate for Finn. He’s comfortable at the moment and hopefully, he’ll recover quickly; test negative and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as possible,” said Sandle in an official release.
BAN vs NZ: Sandle said Finn Allen flew from Heathrow on an Emirates flight and that team officials had notified the airline of his circumstances, as well as being in contact with his family in New Zealand.
“The Bangladesh cricket authorities have been extremely professional in their response and we’re grateful to them for that. They’re treating the matter very seriously,” said Sandle.
BAN vs NZ: Sandle said the New Zealand-based members of the BlackCaps, who departed Auckland on Monday night, had just arrived in Dhaka and would now undergo a minimum three-day period of in-room isolation.
A decision on whether Finn Allen will be replaced in the squad has not yet been made. New Zealand will play five T20s against Bangladesh – the first on Wednesday, September 1.
BAN vs NZ: New Zealand squad for Bangladesh T20s & Pakistan ODIs
Tom Latham (c) (wk), Finn Allen, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry (ODI only), Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (T20 only), Blair Tickner, Will Young
Sep 01: 1st T20I, Dhaka
Sep 03: 2nd T20I, Dhaka
Sep 05: 3rd T20I, Dhaka
Sep 08: 4th T20I, Dhaka
Sep 10: 5th T20I, Dhaka
