International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee David Boon has tested positive for COVID-19. Boon won't be part of the fourth Ashes Test, scheduled to be played from January 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Boon will be replaced by another member of the International Panel of ICC Referees, Steve Bernard for the fourth Test match. The 61-year-old is expected to return to his duty for the final Ashes Test in Hobart, starting on January 14.

"The ICC match referee for the Vodafone men's Ashes Series, David Boon, has tested positive to COVID-19 following a PCR Test," Cricket Australia's official release read.

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"Steve Bernard, a member of the International Panel of ICC Referees and based in NSW, will take over as match referee for the fourth Ashes Test match, starting on January 5 at the SCG. 

"It is anticipated that David Boon will return to the role for the fifth Test in Hobart, starting on January 14. He is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, including having a booster.

"Boon will remain in Melbourne and in line with Victorian State Government Health guidelines will continue quarantining for 10 days," the statement read further.

The official statement also announced that the players from both teams, their families, the support staff, and the officials are having daily PCR tests since Monday, December 27.