Covid Rocks the Ashes: Four members of England’s camp get the virus. Channel Seven staff also test positive

  • After the Covid scare, play begins on Boxing Day Ashes Test Day 2.  
  • After a possible epidemic, the England cricket team tested for Covid-19.  
  • After staff became ill, Channel Seven’s commentators were isolated and back-ups called in 
  • Positive tests were returned by two members of the support staff as well as two relatives. 










After four Covid cases in England were discovered, the start of Day 2 in Boxing Day Test was disrupted.   

One of the English support staff members’ family was positive for antigen, so the whole squad had to be quick tested on Monday morning.  

After positive tests, the team was allowed to go to Melbourne Cricket Ground to warm up and then travel there.

The play will now be delayed slightly from the 10.30am commencement with Australia at 1/61, after Australia bowled England out for just185.

Cricket Australia stated shortly before the start of play on Day Two that there were more positive results from rapid antigen testing.

A Covid scare in the England team, with a family member of the squad returning a positive test, caused day two of the third Ashes Test to be delayed

The second day of the Ashes Test in England was delayed because of a Covid panic. One family member tested positive for the drug.

‘Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England Cricket Team’s support staff and two of their family members have returned a positive Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test,’ it said. 

“The individuals affected are now isolating.”  

“All members of the playing group, as well as all support staff, have taken rapid antigen testing this morning. All have been negative.” 

PCR testing will be performed today by the England team. Both teams will use extra precautions during play.

“The venue is now free from any further impacts to fans and other venues. 

“Cricket Australia” and the MCC continue to monitor the situation, and will follow the approved Victorian Government Covid Safe event plan. 

Unfortunately, Channel 7’s commentators were not so fortunate. They were forced to leave the studio after one of their staff members tested positive for HIV overnight. 

Australia already hold a dominant position in the game, having dismissed England for 185 in just over 65 overs in the first two sessions. Pictured: Test debutant Scott Boland takes his first wicket

Australia are already in control of the game and have beaten England for 185 in just 65 runs. Pictured: Scott Boland, a Test debutant, takes his first wicket

Big Bash League commentators Andy Maher and Brad Hodge, Lisa Sthalekar, Jason Richardson, were quick drafted in as coverage began on Monday morning. The England team had arrived late at the ground.  

Lewis Martin seven, head of sports said that Covid was activated by the network to safeguard the safety and health for all employees.

According to him, the employee had been asymptomatic. He returned a positive result on Sunday night. Since then, he has been isolated. 

The Australian team arrived at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in preparation for Monday’s second day of play. However, England was absent an hour prior to the beginning of play.

The England camp had now been cleared to travel to the MCG for day two of the third Ashes test after a Covid scare in the camp

Following a Covid scare, the England team was cleared to travel with the England squad to the MCG on day 2 of the Ashes third test.

Andrew McCormack, a Channel 7 Sports reporter tweeted that there was a busload from England playing at the MCG. However it wasn’t clear if any of the players left the hotel. 

 ‘The England team and management are currently at the team hotel awaiting results of RFT Covid tests following a positive test in the team’s family group,’ English Cricket said.  

Australia is now in a strong position after the first day of play. They have already beaten England by 185 runs in less than 65 innings in each session.

Australia’s resume today on one for 60, David Warner losing the wicket soon before yesterday’s finish for 38 runs. 

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