The third Ashes Test between Australia and England will go ahead despite some members of the England side, notably, the backroom staff tested positive for the coronavirus.
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The coronavirus pandemic has once again cast a shadow on cricket, with the third Ashes Test coming under the scanner. Four members of the England cricket team have tested positive for the coronavirus on day 3 of the Ashes Boxing Day Test. These four members are not players of the England cricket team but they are two support staff members and two family members. There is also one case in the Commentary team of the Broadcast Network Seven. This forced the team to rejig their commentators on day 3.
Play started 45 minutes late and session times have been extended. Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley stated that the current situation does not call for the Ashes to be canceled. However, Hockley did admit that the situation will have to be monitored on an everyday basis. Australia is seeing a surge in coronavirus cases, especially the Omicron variant. There are plans for the country to reopen totally despite the surge.
The majority of coronavirus cases in Australia is centered in Sydney, the venue for the fourth Test on January 5. There have been close to 10,000 new cases, taking the active count to 67,000.
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Speaking about the current situation, Hockley stated that the England team will undergo one round of testing. Hockley stated that the medical advisors deemed the match to go ahead. “The England Cricket team will also have PCR tests today, and both teams will take extra precautions. Both playing squads remain unchanged. There is currently no further impact on fans or other parts of the venue. Cricket Australia and the MCC will continue to monitor the situation and follow the endorsed Victorian Government Covid-Safe Event Plan,” Hockley said.
Although play started late, England has actually dominated the day with some magnificent performances. James Anderson, England’s veteran, and ace Test bowler was the star of the show. Nathan Lyon and Marcus Harris showed some good application at the start of the day but Ollie Robinson broke through to get Lyon for 10.
Mark Wood bowled with absolute venom in speeds of over 145 kmph. The excess pace saw him account for Marnus Labuschagne for 1. After the twin strikes, James Anderson produced an exhibition of swing bowling that showed why he is legendary. He consistently troubled Steve Smith and beat the edge on a number of occasions. Noticing that Smith often shuffled, England employed a leg slip to counter his shuffling. Smith stood firm and pushed at a wide delivery. The ball took the inside edge and crashed into the stumps to fall for 16.
Travis Head and Marcus Harris stitched a solid stand, with Harris scoring his first Ashes fifty. Head and Harris’ 61-run stand was broken by Robinson, who tempted Head with an outswinger as he edged it to slip. Anderson delivered the big breakthrough as Harris went for a fine 76, with Australia still in the deficit. However, Alex Carey and Cameron Green have ensured Australia has taken the lead. But, the hosts will have to stitch big partnerships with the tail if they have to bat England out of the contest.
