Australia will travel to Sri Lanka without their head coach, Andrew McDonald after he tested positive for COVID-19. He returned a positive test for the virus a day before Australia's departure to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, June 1, and will join the touring party later.
McDonald will have to isolate for a week in Melbourne, resulting in the coach missing the first T20I in Sri Lanka. He is likely to join the Australian team in Colombo before the start of the second T20I on June 8.
In meantime, Australia’s assistant coach, Michael Di Venuto, will guide the team in the absence of McDonald at the start of the Sri Lanka tour. Notably, Australia and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches from June 7 to July 8.
Cricket Australia (CA) stated: “Australian men's team head coach Andrew McDonald has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be delayed in traveling to Sri Lanka for the start of the T20I series.”
“Michael Di Venuto will coach the Australian men's T20 side before Andrew McDonald re-joins the squad at the conclusion of seven days of isolation.”
Notably, the Sri Lanka tour will be McDonald's first tour after being appointed as full-time head coach. He was working in an interim capacity after taking over from Justin Langer until now. It is being said that Australia's 'A' and ODI squad will fly to Sri Lanka later this week.
(With PTI Inputs)
