ENG vs NZ: Sam Billings Named As Replacement After Ben Foakes Tests Positive For Covid-19 During 3rd Test vs New Zealand

On Sunday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that the red-ball wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes has been found Covid-19 positive and he will no longer take part in the ongoing Test match against New Zealand.

The third and last Test match of the series between England and New Zealand is being played at the Headingley, Leeds.

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The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Foakes was unable to do the wicket-keeping for the Ben Stokes-led side on Day 3 of the Test match against New Zealand due to back stiffness and Jonny Bairstow took over the responsibility.

On further medical assessment, Ben Foakes was tested positive for Covid-19. Also, the wicketkeeper-batsman is expected to return to the squad for the one-off Test against India, which will commence on July 1.

“Foakes was unable to keep wicket yesterday on day three of the Third LV= Insurance Test at Headingley suffering from back stiffness. On a further medical assessment yesterday evening, he subsequently tested positive after administering an LFT COVID-19 test.

“Details of his return to the England set-up will be announced in due course. However, it is hoped he will be fit for the LV= Insurance Test against India starting next Friday at Edgbaston,” said the ECB.

Sam Billings drafted in as a like-for-like COVID-19 replacement for Ben Foakes

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has been included in the England team as a like-for-like replacement for Ben Foakes and he will take part in the remainder of the match.

“Kent wicketkeeper/batter Sam Billings, subject to ICC approval, has been drafted in as a like-for-like COVID replacement and will go straight into the XI when the fourth day gets underway from 11.00 am today. He will keep the wicket.

“The rest of the England party follows health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required. There are no other positive cases in the camp,” said the ECB.

Meanwhile, England won the first two Test games of the series in a dominant fashion against New Zealand and they have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah Could Follow Kapil Dev As Second Fast Bowler To Lead India After 35 Years

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