Eng coach Silverwood tests positive for COVID
Melbourne, Jan 2: England head coach Chris Silverwood has tested positive for COVID-19 while isolating with family in Melbourne, confirmed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement on Sunday. The fourth Ashes Test will start in Sydney on January 5. England have already lost the Ashes after their defeat in the third Test here and Silverwood’s absence is a big setback for the team ahead of the next match. “He will remain in isolation until January 8. Silverwood is asymptomatic and is fully vaccinated. He is expected to return in Hobart ahead of the fifth Ashes Test,” the ECB was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. (IANS)
McGrath tests positive ahead of Pink Test
Sydney, Jan 2: Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath has tested positive for COVID-19 days before the Pink Test which is played in memory of his late wife Jane, who died of breast cancer, and is used as a fundraiser to support patients suffering from the dreaded disease. This time, Australia’s opponent in the Pink Test will be England as part of the Ashes series. The year-opening Test will be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 5. The third day of the SCG Test is known as Jane McGrath Day and it remains to be seen if the former cricketer will turn negative in time to attend the event. (PTI)
ECB asks players in BBL to return to London
Sydney, Jan 2: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly asked its white-ball cricketers competing in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia to leave the country as soon as possible in the wake of the evolving COVID-19 situation. The ECB’s instructions come as it wants to save England’s limited-overs tour of the West Indies. There have been a rise of COVID-19 cases in the BBL. (IANS)