Ashes 2021-22: Travis Head Tests Positive For COVID-19, Will Miss Fourth Test In Sydney

Australia batter Travis Head has been ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney after he testes COVID-19 positive following a regular PCR Test.

The 28-year-old player is asymptomatic and will stay back in Melbourne to isolate for a duration of seven days to compel with Victorian Government Health requirements.

Travis Head tested COVID-19 positive: Cricket Australia

Other Australian players have turned negative and will travel to Sydney for the fourth match.

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“As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson was quoted by cricket.com.au.

“Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive Covid-19 result earlier today. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage.

“We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth Vodafone men’s Ashes Test in Hobart,” he added.

With 248 runs from three games at an average of 62, Head is Australia’s leading run-getter in the Ashes 2021-22 so far.

Queensland batter Usman Khawaja is the front-runner to replace Head for the Sydney Test. Cricket Australia has named Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis as additional cover.

Head’s news comes a day after England head coach Chris Silverwood was reported to be in close contact with a family member that tested positive. Silverwood will remain unavailable for the fourth Test with assistant coach Graham Thorpe will be in charge of the team management for that game.

On the second day of the MCG Test, seven cases- three support staff and four family members were detected in the England camp.

Australia thumped England in the third Test by an innings and 14 runs win to make it 3-0 and retain the Ashes.

Head scored a splendorous 152 from 148 balls in the first Test in Brisbane that cruised the hosts to a commanding score of 425. He was awarded as the player of the match as Australia won by nine wickets within four days.

Also Read: England Head Coach Chris Silverwood To Miss His Duty For Fourth Test Due To COVID-19 Close Contact