All Bangladesh players test COVID-19 negative, New Zealand tour set to go ahead

All the uncertainties pertaining to the upcoming Test series between New Zealand and Bangladesh have been depreciated, as all the members of the visitors have returned the negative COVID-19 test. Thus, the series comprising of two Tests seems all set to take place as per schedule.

After Rangana Herath, Bangladesh’s spin bowling consultant was tested positive for COVID-19, the visiting party were asked not to practice until December 21. Hence, the squad members were also asked to quarantine.

According to the reports by Cricbuzz, the former Sri Lankan spinner won’t be accompanying the rest of the team on December 21. This is mainly due to the fact that he hasn’t got the clearance to join them, by the health department of New Zealand just as yet. Other than the 43-year-old, eight other members from the Test set-up, who were in isolation as they were in close contact with a Covid-19 positive person flying with them from Malaysia to New Zealand, also tested negative.

Bangladesh team director confirms that nobody tested positive

Khaled Mahmud, the team director of Bangladesh, clearly mentioned the fact that everyone returned negative. He also said that the entire set-up will be shifting to the team hotel, and will do all the normal activities.

”We have completed the last corona test yesterday and today the result came out. all of us returned negative,” team director Khaled Mahmud said on Monday, as quoted by Cricbuzz. He also said that the team members will start their training sessions on Tuesday, and they will also be provided with the gym facilities.

“We can come out from here (Managed Isolation and Quarantine centre) tomorrow and start our practice from the morning at the Lincoln University Ground where we will also get the gym facilities. After completing the practice, we will move to our team hotel and do all the normal activities,” he added.

The two-match Test series is all set to commence on January 1. While the first Test will be taking place at the Bay Oval in Tauranga. The second Test will be played from January 9 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Thus, this is going to be the first Test series hosted by New Zealand in 2022.