Ashes 2021-22: They'll Undergo PCR Tests: Nick Hockley On England's COVID-19 Situation

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley on Monday talked about the COVID-19 protocols after COVID-19 positive cases were found in the England camp amid the ongoing Ashes.

Cricket Australia on Monday confirmed that two members of the England Cricket Team’s support staff and two of their family members have tested COVID-19 positive after undergoing the Rapid Antigen Test.

We’ll work on the basis of all the available information: Nick Hockley

However, the England players were given clearance to play on the second day of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG after all of them returned negative.

“They’ll undergo PCR tests. We’ll work on the basis of all the available information that we have. But certainly the medical advisers, on the basis of this morning’s precaution, they felt it appropriate to continue with the match,” Hockley was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“No, I don’t think so. I think we’ve shown that we’ve got great confidence in the protocols. There are increasing case numbers in New South Wales and in Sydney. We’ve got an exclusive property for the playing group. We are flying there by charter.

“This is something that we’re all having to live with. So again, we’re just extremely appreciative to the medical staff, both squads, both sets of playing groups for adhering to the protocols which are designed to keep everybody safe,” he added.

England in trouble in the MCG Test:

England were left in tatters on the second day after Australian bowlers led by Mitchell Starc reduced them to 31 for four. The visitors still hold a 51-run deficit to Australia’s first-innings lead.

England skipper Joe Root (12*) is batting along with all-rounder Ben Stokes and the duo needs to build a crucial partnership to turn the game in their team’s favour.

Throughout the Ashes so far, England’s batting has been unfavourable and that is something that has haunted them to win a Test in Australia.

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