Ashes 2021-22: Boxing Day Test continues despite four members of the England touring party testing COVID-19 positive

The ongoing Boxing Day Ashes Test went into slight disarray after members of the England touring party tested positive for COVID-19. On Day two of the Melbourne Test, two members of the Three Lions support staff and two family members of the support staff contracted the coronavirus. However, the development hasn’t disrupted the third Test of the five-match series.

The England team arrived 30 mins late at the MCG on the morning of Day two as the whole squad had to undergo COVID-19 testing due to the emergence of the four cases. On Monday, December 27, the whole Brits touring squad will undergo another round of resting. Extra precautionary measures were also reported to be taken during the second day’s play.

CA releases a statement on COVID-19 cases emerging in the England camp

“Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England Cricket Team’s support staff and two of their family members have returned a positive Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test,” a Cricket Australia statement said.

“The affected individuals are currently isolating. The entire playing group and all other support staff have undertaken Rapid Antigen Tests this morning and all have tested negative. The England Cricket team will also have PCR tests today, and both teams will take extra precautions throughout play. Both playing squads remain unchanged.

“There is currently no further impact on fans or other parts of the venue. Cricket Australia and the MCC will continue to monitor the situation and follow the endorsed Victorian Government Covid-Safe Event Plan,” the statement added.

Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia Chief Executive, put forth his opinions on Day two and said that the situation didn’t worsen enough for the game to stop.

“They’ll go undergo PCR tests. Certainly, the medical advisers, on the basis of this morning’s precaution, they felt it appropriate to continue with the match,” Hockley said.

On Boxing Day, 1999 new positive Covid cases in Victoria emerged from 57818 tests. New South Wales, in the meantime, has recorded a stunning 6324 coronavirus cases on Monday from over 48000 tests, but Hockley said that the fourth Test, starting January 5 at the SCG, isn’t in danger by any means.