England was whirled by a crucial Covid scare earlier on day two of the third Ashes Test Monday as four members of the team camp which includes two support staff and two family members tested positive for coronavirus. The team and management were compelled to go through urgent rapid antigen tests just as they were about to vacate their hotel rooms for the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They were provided with the all-clear hardly 45 minutes before the match was about to commence, with the start nudged back half an hour until 11 am (0000 GMT) to give them a time to warm up. “Cricket Australia has been notified that two members of the England Cricket team’s support staff and two of their family members have returned a positive Covid-19 rapid antigen test,” it explained in a statement. The involved people are presently isolated. “The entire playing group and all other support staff have undertaken rapid antigen tests this morning and all have tested negative,” it explained. “The England Cricket team will also have PCR tests today, and both teams will take additional precautions throughout the match. Both the teams remain unchanged.” Australian broadcaster, the Seven Network, also asserted there had been a positive case among its personnel working at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, compelling last-minute changes to their commentary squad. Australia leads into day two on 61 for one in reply to England’s 185 all out. After massive setbacks in Brisbane and Adelaide, England must defeat in the Melbourne game to keep the five-Test series alive, with Australia only needing a draw to maintain the urn as holders. Australia captain Pat Cummins announced the dramatic incidents were a sign of the times. “It kind of feels like the last few years, doesn’t it?” he asserted. But it’s a sign of the times, you’ve got to be pretty flexible.” Coronavirus affected the second Test at Adelaide with Cummins ruled out just before the beginning for being in tight contact with a positive Covid-19 case.
