T20 World Cup 2022: Matthew Wade tests positive for Covid, expected to play against England

Arch-rivals Australia and England will be battling it out in a virtual knockout clash when the two teams lock horns in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, October 28. However, the defending champions have found themselves in a spot of bother prior to this crucial encounter as it has been learnt that Matthew Wade has contracted COVID-19. 

However, the wicketkeeper-batter is expected to feature  against the Three Lions. Wade, meanwhile, has become the second member after leg-spinner Adam Zampa to contract with the virus. As per reports in Cricket Australia's official website, Wade has shown only mild symptoms and will be available for participation against England provided his condition does not worsen before the game. The Australian squad would be hoping that he is fit enough to take the field and don the gloves in this must-win encounter with their T20 world title reign on the line. 

Another setback is something that Australia can ill-afford at this stage with their future in the tournament hanging in the balance. To make matters worse, Wade is the only keeper that the reigning champions have at the moment after Josh Inglis was ruled out of the tournament due to a hand injury last week and was replaced by batting all-rounder Cameron Green.

Interestingly, Glenn Maxwell was seen training with the gloves during the team's session on the eve of the England game. He had a drill session with assistant coach Andre Borovec. Notably, even Maxwell had injured himself after being struck on the throat by a vicious delivery from Lahiru Kumara in the last game against Sri Lanka and was in deep discomfort for a while. It remains to be seen if it will be Maxwell donning the gloves should Wade not be available.