Sydney: England’s preparations for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia suffered another setback when one of its net bowlers tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of the team’s training session as other net bowlers were considered to be close contacts.
The England team, which lost the first three Tests after losing the series in the first three Tests, has been dealt a blow as they are planning to rope in former ODI captain Adam Holyoke with the team’s coaching staff, according to media reports here. The fourth Test will be played from January 5.
This week, on the second day of the Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, all members of the England team came negative for the COVID-19 test. Earlier, two members of the support staff and two members of their family were found to be COVID positive. The start of the game was delayed due to positive results.
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Head coach Chris Silverwood was forced to go into isolation as a member of his family was found to be COVID positive, leaving the visiting team preparing for the fourth Test with very limited coaching staff.
Fast bowling coach John Lewis, spin guide Jeetan Patel and strength and adaptation coach Darren Waynes have also tested positive. Assistant coach Graham Thorpe is now in charge of the team for the upcoming match. Thorpe, a former England batsman, is being assisted by Nottinghamshire’s Ant Botha and former England wicketkeeper James Foster.
Holyoke, who lives in the Gold Coast, has been asked to join the visiting team on Sunday. On Sunday, however, media reports said that a close contact of 50-year-old Holyoke had tested positive. Like around the world, there has been an increase in COVID cases in Australia in recent weeks. (agency)