AUS vs SA: Matt Renshaw tests Covid positive in Test comeback
Peter Handscomb has been added as a late substitute in case a Covid substitute would be needed later in the game.
Australia batter Matt Renshaw tested positive for Covid in a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) after being recalled to the Test side in the third and final contest against South Africa. The 26-year-old and Ashton Agar were called up to the national side after injuries to speedster Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Cameron Green in the second Test in Melbourne.
Just prior to playing his first red-ball match in nearly five years, the batter felt unwell on the opening day of the Sydney Test. Later, Renshaw stood a bit away from his teammates during the national anthems and was also seen sitting away from the dugout on the boundary edge to avoid contact with his compatriots. However, a CA spokesperson confirmed that the batter would continue to feature in the contest.
"Australian batter Matthew Renshaw reported feeling unwell shortly before play in the third Test match against South Africa in Sydney and was separated from the squad. Renshaw has since returned a positive RAT test. He will continue to take part in the match," a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Renshaw last made an appearance for the red-ball team against the same opposition in the infamous sandpapergate episode in 2018. Despite playing the contest in Sydney with Covid, Peter Handscomb was listed as a late substitute should a Covid substitute be needed later in the game.
Still don't know how we haven't had Covid in our team yet: Pat Cummins
Incidentally, on the eve of the Test match, Australia skipper Pat Cummins addressed the topic of the virus and stated that the side was ‘back to normal life’.
"I still don't know how we haven't had Covid in our team now I think about it. It feels like we're back to normal life,” said the skipper.
It remains to be seen if Renshaw continues to play throughout the contest or will Handscomb take the field as a substitute. The Aussies have already taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series heading into the final Test in Sydney.
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