James Anderson Gives Update On COVID-19 Scare In England Camp, Says Players And Staff Feel Fine

England legendary pacer James Anderson is hopeful that the ongoing Test between England and Australia as well as the remainder of the Ashes series will go ahead as scheduled. The start of play on Day 2 was delayed a bit after two family members of England players, as well as two of the staff members, returned positive COVID-19 results.

Because of this, the players from both camps had to return Rapid Antigen Tests and when all tests returned were negative, they were allowed to start play on Day 2.

However, all players will now await the results of the PCR tests which will come late on Monday. Depending on the results, a lot could be on the line, even the entire remainder of the Ashes.

However, Anderson gave positive news after the end of the day’s play to the reporters that the England players and staff are feeling fine.

Here is what he said to the press: “We’ve not been told anything about the future of the tour up to now but as long as the group in at the ground today are negative I can’t see why we can’t carry on. As far as I’m aware the whole playing group and the management at the ground today feel fine.”

Anderson also made it clear that the England players are doing everything they can to ensure that they are preventing the virus from spreading if anyone is infected. He added:

“We’ve stepped up the safety protocols around the dressing room, wearing masks and keeping distance whenever possible as well. So if there is any infection around the group hopefully it’s not spread.”

James Anderson disappointed with England’s batting performance

England are once again in deep trouble as far as the on-field cricket is concerned. After having conceded a lead of 82 runs after the first innings, England slumped to 31/4 in their second innings before the close of play. Anderson expressed his disappointment on having lost four wickets towards the end of play, but also credited the pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for their excellent bowling.

‘I thought we did really well to stick at our task with the ball throughout the day and I thought we were really good at sticking to the lengths we talked about and the pressure we wanted to create. We got our rewards and were pleased with their score. If we’re honest we should have got somewhere near that in our first innings,” Anderon stated.

‘Then to lose four wickets before the close was really disappointing. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were outstanding but that’s what you expect from world-class bowlers. It shouldn’t take anyone by surprise they bowled like that and it’s disappointing to lose four wickets like that,” he concluded.

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22: The Biggest Concern For England Was Mixture Of Poor Technique: Nasser Hussain