England faces nervous waiting as COVID-19 threatens ashes

Melbourne: The UK was nervously waiting for the results of the PCR test after four COVID cases in the camp, but veteran Jimmy Anderson said yesterday he was keen to finish the ash series in Australia. Four members of the English Party (two support staff and two families) were positive for coronavirus on their third test in Melbourne just hours before the start of the second day. The team and management then had to undergo a rapid antigen (RAT) test as they left the hotel for the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

It was completely cleared 45 minutes before play began, but you must also take a PCR test as a precautionary measure. Bowler Anderson of England said the team was ready to leave on the bus when ordered to undergo a RAT test. “As far as I know, the whole playgroup is fine. We have strengthened the safety protocol around the dressing room, put on masks and kept as far away as possible,” he said after the stump on the second day. .. “We are undergoing a PCR test now, but we need to clarify all the tests if possible, so we have to wait for the results.” Anderson said someone tested positive. The English team, if any, added that they were not informed about the plan.

The Australian broadcaster Seven Network also said there were positive cases among staff working at MCG, forcing their commentary team to make last-minute changes. Boosted by Omicron variants, coronavirus cases are skyrocketing in Australia, especially Sydney. There, a fourth test is scheduled to begin on January 5, prior to the ash finale at Hobart.

Over 6,000 cases are reported daily throughout New South Wales, where Sydney is located. Nonetheless, Cricket Australia Chief Nick Hockley said the plan was to push on schedule with ashes. “It’s an absolute plan. I have nothing else to suggest. We depend on the protocol,” he told reporters before warning: “It’s a daily suggestion.”

Enthusiastic to continue

The UK faced a similar scenario earlier this year when the fifth test of the Home Series against India was canceled after multiple incidents occurred among the visitor’s support staff. Anderson said he was keen to finish the Ash series, even though England was facing another major defeat. “That’s the plan. Again, it will depend on the PCR tests and the circumstances that leave us behind,” he said. “I don’t know why we can’t continue as long as the group here today is negative.” Australian captain Pat Cummins failed the second ash test because he was in COVID quarantine. But yesterday’s dramatic event was a “sign of the times.” “You have to be pretty flexible,” he told sports broadcaster SEN.

Australian scent victory

Meanwhile, the vague England lost four wickets in a hostile second half spell, remaining 31-4, pulling Australia 51 runs away and fighting to save Ash’s hopes after the second day of the third test. .. It was after a visitor who had to win in Melbourne was shaken by four positive COVID cases at their camp, but none of them were players. Australia went all out at 267 and took the lead of 82 runs in England’s first inning 185 on the MCG pitch, but still provided a sufficient amount for the bowler.

Marcus Harris top scored 76 in the fight against a dangerous British attack led by veteran Jimmy Anderson. He was in a terrifying best with 23 overs and 4-33. After a big defeat in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must win to keep the five test series alive. Australia only needs a draw to hold the jar as a holder. However, England collapsed again in the face of surviving the last hour against the resurrected Mitchell Stark and Pat Cummins.

Struggling opener Zack Crawley never looked comfortable and was caught by wicket-keeper Alex Carey five off Stark after dodging 15 balls. David Malang came in, but after a failed review, he incredibly hit Stark lbw, Scott Borland ruined Haseeb Hameed’s day on the 7th, and Carrie shined the edge. Borland, who fired, bowled Jack Ruetsch without winning two balls, leaving skipper Joe Root undefeated 12 and Ben Stokes undefeated 2, England was in serious trouble.

“In terms of bowling, we found it really good to stick to our work all day long … we created a lot of opportunities, put a lot of balls in the right places and got paid.” Said Anderson. “I knew the last 12 overs (batting) would be tough with the new ball,” he added. “But still, it was really disappointing to lose the four ticket gates.” Stark and Cummins were great. “— AFP