Australia faced a setback as COVID-19 has affected key members of the team ahead of the second and final Test against the West Indies, starting on January 25 at The Gabba.
Star all-rounder Cameron Green and head coach Andrew McDonald are the latest ones to have tested COVID-positive on Wednesday, January 23. Earlier, Travis Head fell ill after the first Test in Adelaide, which Australia won by 10 wickets, and was found to be infected with the virus.
However, Head has been since then tested negative twice, and is likely to play in the second Test against the West Indies in Brisbane, which will be a day-night affair.
Well, despite their illness, Green and coach McDonald are also likely to participate in the Pink-Ball Test unless they feel too unwell.
Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement: “Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald will be separated from the group until they return a negative test. It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols.”
Notably, players are allowed to take part in the games under COVID protocols, even if they don't receive negative results within the next 24 hours. However, they are required to be kept separate from the rest of the playing group.
On the other hand, Australian captain Pat Cummins shared an update about Head, saying he is fine and is likely to play in the Gabba Test against the West Indies.
Cummins told reporters at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane: “I think he's almost out of it. He'll be fine. Obviously, even if he is still positive, he can still play, there might just be a few protocols.”
(With AFP Inputs)
