England cricket suffers a huge blow. Three players from the England cricket team and fours staffs have been found corona positive. The players were found positive after the mandatory PCR test.
The news comes two days ahead of the limited-overs series against Pakistan. Also, there have been several questions raised against hosting the series. Meanwhile, ECB has confirmed the matches will begin from July 8 in Cardiff.
“Following PCR tests administered yesterday (Monday) in Bristol, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that seven members – three players and four management team members – of the England Men’s ODI party have tested positive for COVID-19,” the ECB said in a statement.
The players which have been found Covid-19 positive will now self-isolate from July 4 . Also the players and staffs who were in close contact with positive members have to isolate themselves.
“Those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK Government’s protocol on quarantine. The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate,” the release further mentioned.
Ben Stokes to lead the side against Pakistan
England and Wales cricket board has decided that Ben Stokes will lead the squad. Also, England will soon announce the new squad for the series.
“Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad – which will be named in the next few hours. Incoming squad and support team members will follow PCR tests and bridging protocols to ensure safe entry to the camp,” said ECB.
“We have been mindful that the emergence of the delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio-secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said.
“We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions.”
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