New Zealand batsman Finn Allen tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Bangladesh series

New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen has tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Bangladesh for the upcoming T20I series. He traveled from UK after featuring in the inaugural edition of The Hundred where he played for the Birmingham Phoenix. Interestingly, Allen is full vaccinated and cleared all the tests before departing from the UK.

However, his results returned positive 48 hours after reaching Dhaka. Currently, he is in quarantine in the team hotel and it has also been told that the cricketer is experiencing moderate symptoms. Bangladesh Cricket’s chief medical advisor is treating him at the moment and is also in the contact with New Zealand Cricket’s chief medical officer.

NZC revealed the news of Finn Allen testing positive for the virus and now he will have to undergo mandatory period of isolation before testing negative twice. Only then, Allen will be allowed to join the team.

New Zealand team manager confident of Allen recovering

New Zealand’s team manager in Dhaka, Mike Sandle, informed that Finn Allen is currently fine and was confident that he will recover from COVID-19. He also praised Bangladesh’s quick actions after the cricketer contracted COVID. Meanwhile, NZC has also informed the airline in which Allen traveled to Dhaka about the cricketer’s reports.

“It’s really unfortunate for Finn. He’s comfortable at the moment and hopefully he’ll recover quickly; test negative and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as possible. The Bangladesh cricket authorities have been extremely professional in their response and we’re grateful to them for that. They’re treating the matter very seriously,” Sandle said according to NZC release.

The rest of the New Zealand team members are currently undergoing mandatory three-day strict in-room isolation. The Kiwis have named a second string squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh with most of the first-choice players featuring in the second leg of the IPL. The series is set to commence on September 1 with all the matches to be played in Dhaka. The decision on naming the replacement for Finn Allen is yet to be taken.