England’s ill-fated Ashes trip was hit by a further blow as head coach Chris Silverwood was forced into 10 days of isolation after a family member tested positive for Covid-19 – the seventh member of the tourists’ entourage to catch the virus.
Silverwood is now under immense pressure to stay in his position. The fourth test at Sydney will be played on January 5. Assistant coach Graham Thorpe will take charge of England’s temporary match.
After positive testing for Jeetan Patel (spin-bowling coach), Jon Lewis (fast-bowling coach) and Darren Veness (strong and conditioning coach), Silverwood was the fourth backroom staff member to enter isolation.
Chris Silverwood, who had a good contact with Covid about the fourth Ashes Trial will need to be absent.
A positive test has been returned for the Silverwood family member. This brings the total number of positive family tests to four.
On Thursday night, more tests were scheduled in Melbourne amid concerns that other people will have to isolate the virus as it spreads throughout Victoria.
The positive outcome in Silverwood’s family case has so far not affected travel plans of other members of England’s party.
Graham Thorpe (right), who will temporarily be responsible for changing England’s fortunes
England’s disastrous tour has been a disappointment. This is another setback for the team.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board stated that one member of the family had tested positive following the most recent round of PCR testing administered to England’s Men’s touring group on Wednesday 29th December.
“As a consequence of the positive test in England, Men’s Coach Chris Silverwood and his family will be forced to stay in Melbourne for 10 days. They will also miss the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney, which will start on Wednesday, 5 January 2022.
Since Monday, 27 December 2012, a PCR testing program was initiated by the PCR Testing Institute (PCRT), seven cases have been reported by members of the touring party. They include four relatives and three support staff.
“Both Australia and England will fly via chartered flights to Sydney on Friday morning.