Big Bash League News: Coronavirus decimates schedule, 11 players test positive

The Big Bash League has been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. After the Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers match was postponed, the New Year’s Eve match between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder has also been impacted. The Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Thunder have a total of 11 players who have tested positive for the coronavirus. However, the Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder match in Adelaide will go ahead.

The latest development comes in the wake of all the other players tested negative after one hour of RT-PCR Tests. There are apparently no cases in the Adelaide Strikers camp. A statement in Cricket Australia stated that additional arrangements will be made to ensure that the health of the players is not affected.

Cricket Australia’s General Manager of the Big Bash League Alastair Dobson thanked the health workers for their relentless work in ensuring the players were safe. “We will continue to work closely with our Clubs, relevant governments, broadcasters, partners and venues to ensure the season continues safely and successfully throughout January,” Dobson said.

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Cricket in turmoil in Ashes and Big Bash League

The coronavirus pandemic continues to cause chaos in the Ashes series. Australia batsman Travis Head has tested positive for COVID-19. This comes after seven members of the England support staff and Match Referee David Boon tested positive. In the latest round of PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing, Head was found to be positive but asymptomatic. According to Victoria state Government health protocol, Head will have to be in isolation for seven days. This means that he will miss the Sydney Test.

Australia and England are slated to fly out to Sydney in separate chartered flights. The entire Australia cricket team underwent PCR and RAT Tests and on Friday morning. The results will be eagerly awaited. With Head’s situation now clear, Australia has enhanced their squad for the Sydney Test.

The Australian cricket team has included Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, and Nic Maddinson in their squad as a ‘precautionary and additional cover’ for the SCG Test beginning on January 5. Australia is leading 3-0 in the Ashes and gunning for a whitewash.

Cricket Australia spokesperson stated that Head had tested positive. “As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families, and our support staff daily. Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive Covid-19 result. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage. We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth Vodafone men’s Ashes Test in Hobart,” said the CA spokesperson.