Ashes in jeopardy after Travis Head tests positive for COVID-19

Dark Clouds are looming over the remaining two games of the Ashes as Australia batter Travis Head has tested positive for COVID-19. Head delivered a positive result during the latest round of RT PCR Tests. The batter will now have to isolate himself for seven days as per mandatory COVID-19 protocols and will miss the upcoming Sydney Test.

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Head's positive result is a massive setback to the series, which was already in jeopardy following an outbreak in the England camp which saw as many as seven members, including three support staff and four members of the families of the travelling group testing positive. England coach Chris Silverwood is also isolating after a family member of him tested positive for COVID-19.

Match Referee David Boon and a few members of the broadcasting crew were also tested positive for the virus recently. Meanwhile, Big Bash League is also on the verge of cancellation after more than a dozen cases of COVID-19.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson said: “As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily.

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“Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive Covid-19 result earlier today. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage. We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth Vodafone men’s Ashes Test in Hobart.

“We are grateful to our exceptional medical staff for all the work they have done throughout this series and we will continue to work with and support the players, their families and staff from both teams.”

Head is the leading run-scorer for Australia in the series, with 248 runs at an average of 62. In the absence of Head, Usman Khawaja can be drafted into the playing XI. Meanwhile, Australia have added Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis and Nic Maddinson to the squad as cover.