Travis Head, an Australian batsman, has tested positive for Covid-19. This raises concerns that the virus has potentially spread to other players on the team. It will take some time to determine the full extent of the spread and whether the fourth Test can proceed as planned.
As a precautionary measure, Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson, and Josh Inglis have been called up as replacements in the Australian squad for the affected players. Marsh, in particular, was the player of the match in the recent Twenty20 World Cup Final.
England’s Contingency Plan
Adam Hollioake will join the England team as emergency coaching cover for the fourth Test. However, due to Covid rules, he will only be allowed to work with the players outside. England has also put Big Bash players on standby in case of a Covid-19 outbreak within the squad.
With England’s head coach, Chris Silverwood, in quarantine, Graham Thorpe is currently standing in for him in Sydney. Hollioake, who resides in Queensland, has not undergone the same testing protocol as the existing coaches and can only work with the players outside.
“He’s not just another set of hands. He’s a pretty good, philosophical guy who has had certain things go on in his life, so he’ll say, this is cricket, we’ll play to win, but can you get better? I know him really well and he’ll be a good guy if we can get him in,” said Thorpe about Hollioake.
Potential Impact on the Ashes Test
The positive Covid-19 test of Travis Head has raised doubts about the fourth Ashes Test. Further tests are being conducted on the squad to assess the potential spread of the virus. Additional players have been added to the Australian squad as a precaution. The match is scheduled to begin on January 5th, and despite Australia’s 3-0 lead in the series, there is a collective determination to continue playing.
Consequences of Test Cancellation
Canceling the Test match is an outcome that all parties involved want to avoid. The Ashes series provides an opportunity to accumulate points in the World Test Championship, with each win being worth up to 12 points. England is already in Sydney and returning for the fixture at a later date would be disruptive. Additionally, Cricket Australia could face financial losses from the cancellation, including gate receipts and potential broadcast revenue.
Status of the Fifth Test
The fifth Test is scheduled to take place in Hobart on January 14th. The Covid-19 regulations in Tasmania differ from those in Sydney and Melbourne. The government of Tasmania has expressed its commitment to hosting the Test match and is working with Cricket Australia and Public Health to ensure compliance with Covid safety measures.
Impact on Other Matches
The Big Bash in Australia has also been affected by Covid-19 cases. Despite this, Friday night’s match between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers proceeded under strict protocols. However, the match between Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers on Sunday is in doubt due to 14 reported cases within the Melbourne Stars team.
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