PAK vs AUS: Josh Inglis tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of first ODI

An action-packed Test series that saw Australia having the last laugh with an emphatic 115-run win over Pakistan in the third and final game at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The focus now shifts towards the white-ball leg of the all-format bilateral series with the first ODI getting underway on March 29. Aaron Finch will be leading the Aussies in the limited-overs series that comprises three One Day Internationals and a one-off T20I.

Ahead of the opening ODI, the visitors have found themselves in a spot of bother due to one of their player’s health scare. The player in discussion is the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, Josh Inglis. He will not be featuring in the first game after being tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the other members of the squad returned negative results following routine daily testing.

Josh Inglis set to miss ODI series

As per reports in Cricket Pakistan, the Australian media manager has officially confirmed that Josh Inglis has tested positive for coronavirus and he will remain in isolation for five days. The report further states that Inglis will once again have to undergo a test after five days and will only be able to take further part in the series provided he returns with a negative COVID-19 result.

This is indeed a huge blow for Australia who are fielding an otherwise depleted squad in the ODI series. Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is set to miss the first ODI due to a hip flexor injury that he had sustained during a recent fielding drill. However, it has been reported that he will be available for the remaining two One Day games.

Apart from Marsh, batting megastar Steve Smith has also been ruled out of the limited-overs series as he will be going into rehabilitation for his injured elbow that he had suffered last year. The Aussies would be hoping to overcome these huge setbacks as they take to the field on March 29.