Sir Ian Botham Tests Positive For Covid-19 While Covering Ashes 2021-22
Published - 06 Jan 2022, 07:03 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:03 AM
England cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus while doing commentary duties in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 between Australia and England. The series is currently in its fourth Test match being played in Sydney with Australia leading 3-0 and one more Test match to go in Hobart.
The ongoing Ashes 2021-22 has already seen its share of COVID positive cases after an outbreak in England camp saw members of support staff and family members testing positive during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. At the end of the Test match, it was reported that several members of the coaching staff including pace bowling Coach Jon Lewis, spin mentor Jeetan Patel, and strength and conditioning specialist Darren Veness.
England head coach Chris Silverwood also tested positive while quarantining with his family and the Australia batter Travis Head had to miss the ongoing fourth Test in Sydney after returning a COVID positive Test result.
Channel 7 Forced To Make Changes In Production Team
Now Sir Ian Botham has tested positive for Covid while covering the Ashes 2021-22 for Channel 7 in Australia and the news was confirmed by his former England teammate David Gower, who is covering the series for BT Sports, Daily Mail UK reported.
“He’s good at shaking things off, hip replacements… normally it’s a hangover,’ he joked of his friend. He’ll see it off with a few bottles of red,” David Gower was quoted saying by Daily Mail UK.
Channel 7 have been hit by a Covid-19 outbreak that began the day of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG. Presenter Mel McLaughlin later revealed it was her, despite being double-vaccinated and boostered. This led to Ian Botham and Ricky Ponting having to take PCR tests and Seven had to change its broadcasting team at the eleventh hour.
At the time, Seven said: ‘Seven is activating its Covid measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff, as well as the broader community, and is working in line with all relevant guidelines and regulations. There have been a number of changes to today’s production schedule, which will be led by Alistair Nicholson, Andy Maher and Jason Richardson with expert comments from Lisa Sthalekar, Brad Hodge, Callum Ferguson, Michael Atherton and Dirk Nannes.’
Australia made 416/8d in the ongoing SCG Test, while England made 13/0 at stumps on day 2.
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