Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of New Zealand series  

Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath has tested positive for COVID-19. He is currently in New Zealand for the upcoming two-match Test series against the Kiws. The former Sri Lanka off-spinner tested positive for the virus on Wednesday (December 15) and is believed to have only minor symptoms.

Meanwhile, eight other Bangladesh players have been told to isolate after they came in close contact with the COVID positive patient on the flight to Christchurch.

The rest of the team members have also been asked to quarantine for three days. Bangladesh team had previously undergone the first quarantine upon landing in New Zealand. However, health authorities have asked them quarantine again due to their close contact with Herath.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury is confident that no further complications will arise on the tour. "We're maintaining the existing protocol," BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told the Dhaka-based The Daily Star. "We will get a clear picture tomorrow (December 17) as they have taken a few samples today and the results are due. Since the players are isolated, hopefully, no other complications will arise. This is part of the new reality."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh are scheduled to play two practice games before the first Test match, which begins on January 1 in Tauranga. Bangladesh recently played a Test series against Pakistan.

New Zealand, on the other hand, are returning from India after competing in a two-match Test series. The COVID-19 cases have started to make their presence felt in cricket again. Pakistan -West Indies ODI series got postponed because of the COVID outbreak.