COVID-19 hits Ashes as member of broadcasting crew tests positive

After a dip in COVID-19 cases for about a year, the coronavirus is once again on the surge. During the initial wave, the virus rattled the sporting events and it's once again making its presence felt. Recently, the Pakistan-West Indies series was postponed because of the virus. Earlier, India- England fifth Test suffered the same fate after a string of cases in the Indian camp. The upcoming Bangladesh tour of New Zealand is also in doubt after visitors' spin bowling coach Rangana Herath tested positive for COVID-19.

The ongoing Ashes has not been spared either as skipper Pat Cummins had to miss the second Test after coming in close contact with a COVID patient. However, the incident occurred outside the ground, on non-playing days. However, in gloomy news, COVID-19 has entered the Adelaide Oval as one of the broadcasting crew was found to be COVID positive on Day 3 of the Ashes Test. The Media persons have been asked to maintain social distance with the players after the news.

"We have been advised that a member of a broadcast crew has returned a positive COVID result as part of their scheduled testing,” Adelaide Oval said in a tweet.

“SA Health are aware and we have begun to trace and notify this person’s close contacts.”

Meanwhile, skipper Pat Cummins has returned COVID-19 negative and is out of the mandatory quarantine. He has even returned to Sydney and in all circumstances will be available to lead in the Boxing Day test