Josh Hazlewood jovially casts out COVID positive Cameron Green

In a light-hearted moment at the Gabba on Thursday, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood playfully shooed away his COVID-infected teammate, Cameron Green, during team celebrations following the dismissal of West Indies' Kraigg Brathwaite on Day 1 of the second Test. Despite being infected, Green adhered to safety protocols as he maintained a safe distance from Hazlewood and engaged in an 'air fist bump' without physical contact. Hazlewood, in good spirits, jokingly gestured for Green to keep his distance during the celebration with the rest of the team.

On the cricketing front, the Australian bowlers, opting to field first after winning the toss, kept a tight grip with the new ball. Hazlewood, in particular, continued his fine form by dismissing Brathwaite for the second consecutive time. Brathwaite, who struggled throughout the series, had a shaky innings with a couple of review calls before edging one to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, departing for just four runs. The Australian team, as is customary, gathered to celebrate the wicket, with Green joining in from a distance.

The 24-year-old, currently battling the COVID-19 virus, is obligated to maintain social distancing on and off the field. The virus had previously affected Travis Head post the first Test, but he has since returned negative tests. However, Green and head coach Andrew McDonald are still in the process of recovering fully from the virus. The light-hearted exchange between Hazlewood and Green added a touch of humour to the serious backdrop of the ongoing COVID challenges within the Australian team.

Here's the video of the incident:

COVID infected Green battles it out at Gabba for redemption

The all-rounder was declared fit to participate, provided he adhered to the necessary protocols. Social distancing measures were evident right from the national anthem before play, with Green positioned a few feet apart from the rest of the team standing together. In the initial Test at Adelaide, where he assumed the No. 4 position following Steve Smith's upward move in the batting order, Green had a modest outing, accumulating 14 runs from 27 deliveries.