The Australian Cricket team's preparations for the second and final Test against West Indies in Brisbane have been hit with a couple of COVID-19 blows. After Travis Head tested positive for the infectious virus, head coach Andrew McDonald and all-rounder Cameron Green have been diagnosed with the virus. However, Head has now reportedly returned negative for COVID-19 and is cleared to take part in the Test without any restrictions.
Australia and West Indies will end the two-match Test series in Brisbane with the match starting on the same day as India vs England's 1st Test on January 25. The Aussie team took part in the training on Tuesday in Brisbane but Head was not part of it that day and joined the squad for practice on Wednesday. He was diagnosed with the infectious virus after the opening Test in Adelaide ended. However, Cricket Australia confirmed that he has returned negative for it.
"Travis Head tested negative for COVID yesterday and this morning, clearing him to take part in tomorrow’s match with no restrictions, Cricket Australia said in a statement. "Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald, however, have since been diagnosed with COVID and will be separated from the group until they return a negative test. It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols; should they not test negative in the next 24 hours," it added.
Green is eligible to play the Test match as per the protocols of Cricket Australia even if he does not return negative for the infection in the next 24 hours. The two will likely be placed in Gabba changerooms, the venue for the second Test against the Windies. "He's fine," Steve Smith said on Green and also confirmed Aussies will go with the same Playing XI. "No physical drama at all – just tested positive. He and Andrew McDonald are both fine," he added.
Pat Cummins was excited to play the pink ball Test against the Windies. "No doubt playing a pink-ball Test almost every year, and some Shield cricket over the years with the pink ball, helps us familiarise ourselves ... perhaps better than oppositions can, just by experience," the Aussie skipper said.
