PAK vs AUS: Ashton Agar Tests COVID-19 Positive; Ruled Out Of ODI Series Against Pakistan

Australia all-rounder Ashton Agar tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ruled out of the ODI series against Pakistan.

Agar became the second player after wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis to contract the contagious virus in the span of 24 hours.

Ashton Agar and the Australian team’s physiotherapist tested COVID-19 positive

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Tuesday morning in Pakistan that Agar had tested positive, just 24 hours after Josh Inglis first tested positive. Australia cricket team physiotherapist Brendan Wilson also contracted the virus, the remaining team players and staff members returned with negative tests.

Agar was part of Australia’s five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, he played the final three T20I matches and picked as many wickets at an average of 15.66. Agar last played in a 50-over match for Australia was against West Indies in Bridgetown in July 2021, which is also Australia’s last ODI game.

Australia puzzled with a series of injuries ahead of the ODI series against Pakistan

The recent developments will be an additional blow for Australia as they are without the services of Mitchell Marsh after the player suffered a hip flexor injury at training on Monday. Star batter Steve Smith, who participated in the three-match Test series, was ruled out of the ODI series due to an elbow injury.

Queensland player Matt Renshaw was flown into Lahore on Monday as extra batting cover but won’t be available to play the first ODI as the left-handed batter will have to complete the isolation period of three days before joining the squad.

Queensland leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, who made his Test debut in Pakistan recently, could also have the opportunity to make his ODI debut against Babar Azam and his men. The three-match ODI series, which begins on Tuesday, will be entirely held at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.

Australia Squad for ODI series against Pakistan: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh (officially ruled out of 1st ODI), Ben McDermott, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Adam Zampa

Also Read: PAK vs AUS: Josh Inglis Tests Covid-19 Positive Ahead Of 1st ODI Against Pakistan