Second day of third Ashes Take a look at goes forward regardless of Covid scare in England camp

England’s Ashes tour was plunged into doubt after a Covid outbreak hit the touring camp, however the Boxing Day Take a look at was given the inexperienced mild to go forward pending additional PCR outcomes.

There have been 4 optimistic instances among the many wider travelling social gathering – two members of the backroom employees and two members of the family – whereas Stuart Broad and Craig Overton who will not be within the enjoying XI this week, have been confined to the group resort as a precaution.

The drama began simply over an hour earlier than the scheduled begin of play on day two on the MCG, when it emerged that the vacationers had not made the journey to the bottom.

A group spokesperson confirmed a member of the family that had been spending Christmas with the squad had returned a optimistic fast antigen check and that the remainder of the group was present process a recent spherical of screening.

Three extra positives emerged, however with the group all unfavorable native well being recommendation indicated that the sport may happen. After a half-hour delay and a truncated warm-up, the motion did proceed within the center however that’s unlikely to be the tip of the story.

Each England and Australia will take the extra correct PCR exams on Monday evening, with a nervous wait over the outcomes. Given the extent of socialising that went on with the household and associates over the festive interval, it seems extremely possible that the virus may have unfold.

The collection has been capable of go forward as deliberate to date regardless of rising case numbers in Australia, which has adopted a extra stringent strategy to restrictions than the UK all through the pandemic, however this isn’t the primary bump within the highway.

Dwelling captain Pat Cummins was dominated out of the second Take a look at in Adelaide after he was was alerted as an in depth contact having dined subsequent to a Covid provider on the eve of the sport.

The subsequent Take a look at is because of happen in Sydney and, with New South Wales seen because the Covid hotspot of Australia, the subsequent steps are unsure.

England made it clear within the run-up to the collection that they have been unwilling to just accept a tough bubble ‘lockdown’ on tour and negotiations on that entrance are more likely to kind a part of the backdrop over the hours and days to return.