Ashes: Melbourne Test goes ahead despite Covid-19 cases in England’s touring party

Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley moved to allay fears Monday over the remainder of the Ashes series after England were rocked by a Covid scare, but admitted it was a “day-by-day proposition”.

Four members of the England camp – two support staff and two family members – tested positive for coronavirus just hours before the start of day two in the third Test in Melbourne.

The team and management were required to undergo urgent rapid antigen tests as they were about to leave their hotel for the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

They were given the all-clear barely 45 minutes before play was due to begin.

“The affected individuals are currently isolating,” Cricket Australia said, adding that the entire playing group were negative.

“The England cricket team will also have PCR tests today and both teams will take extra precautions throughout play,” CA added.

Australian broadcaster the Seven Network also said there had been a positive case among its staff working at the MCG, forcing last-minute changes to their commentary team.

Driven by the Omicron variant, coronavirus cases are surging in Australia – particularly in Sydney – where the fourth Test is scheduled in January before the Ashes finale in Hobart.

More than 6,000 cases are being reported daily across New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.

Nevertheless, Hockley…

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