Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan tests positive for Covid-19 ahead New Zealand ODIs

DUBLIN – Ireland Men’s head coach Heinrich Malan is isolated after testing positive for COVID-19 just days out from Ireland Men’s One-Day International series against New Zealand to be played at Malahide from 10-15 July 2022.

Malan has been a close contact of a COVID-positive person in recent days and had – as a precaution knowing the series was approaching – restricted his movements and limited his engagement with the players and coaching staff.

While reporting no symptoms, Malan did test positive today and has begun his isolation in line with government guidelines. He will not enter camp until he completes his isolation and tests negative.

In the interim, the coaching staff of Gary Wilson and Ryan Eagleson will oversee preparations for the upcoming fixtures.

Ireland’s recent stint in the international setup was against India when the teams clashed for two T20Is. The Andrew Balbirnie-led Irish men lost both the games, but put up a brilliant fight in the second match as they lost by the barest of margins. After the Hardik Pandya-led Indian side posted a humungous total of 225 runs batting first, Ireland was very quick with the chase and did the unexpected.

Their opening batters shared a 72-run partnership to start with as the middle-order batters capitalized on the momentum and gave a tough time to the Indian bowlers. Their upcoming stint against New Zealand would be an exciting one as the players will be carrying great confidence while entering the ODI series which is scheduled ahead of the T20I series.

Ireland’s schedule for the white-ball series against New Zealand

Ireland Men v New Zealand Men ODI series

Sunday 10 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 1st ODI (Malahide; start time 10.45am)
Tuesday 12 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 2nd ODI (Malahide; start time 10.45am)
Friday 15 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 3rd ODI (Malahide; start time 10.45am)

Ireland Men v New Zealand Men T20I series:

Monday 18 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 1st T20I (Stormont; start time 4pm)
Wednesday 20 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 2nd T20I (Stormont; start time 4pm)
Friday 22 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 3rd T20I (Stormont; start time 4pm)