Ashes 2021-22: Travis Head set to rejoin the Australian squad after isolation

Australian middle-order batter Travis Head seems all set to join the Aussie squad on Friday. However, this is provided he returns with a negative rapid antigen test (RAT). While he was initially tested positive for COVID-19, his isolation is about to end on Thursday.

It is to be noted that the 28-year-old tested negative on Wednesday, and will be subjected to another RAT test. In a recent statement, Cricket Australia have said that he will rejoin the Cummins-led side on Friday if he does return negative once again.

“Australia batter Travis Head will rejoin the men’s squad for the Vodafone Ashes series on Friday provided he returns negative rapid antigen tests from today. Head’s isolation period ends tomorrow. He tested negative this morning and will be subject to another RAT test tomorrow morning,” read the statement by Cricket Australia.

Usman Khawaja replaces Travis Head for the fourth Ashes Test match

“If negative, as anticipated, he will fly to Sydney. He will then have one final RAT on Friday which, if negative as is anticipated will allow him to rejoin the group,” the statement further read. Thus, if he tests negative, he can directly join the teammates, and possibly even play the SCG Test.

While Usman Khawaja did replace him in the squad for the fourth match of the series, the batting all-rounder can still come in as a concussion substitute if necessary. Besides, even if that doesn’t happen, he will definitely join Australia’s bio-bubble once again and thus, will be available for the fifth Test in Hobart. Thus, in all likelihood, he will don the Baggy Green during the ongoing Ashes series once again. Earlier last week, the Adelaide Strikers batter was tested positive for COVID-19 and thus, had to isolate himself.

This managed to create a tense atmosphere in the Aussie camp as well. Nevertheless, Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson, and Josh Inglis were all called up to Australia’s squad as cover in case there were further positive cases within the squad. In the meanwhile, as the hosts have already won the first three Tests, they have retained the Urn once again. Thus, they lead the series by 3-0 currently.