ENG vs IND: Manchester Test in jeopardy after Indian support staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Ahead of the fifth Test between England and India in Manchester, the visitors have been dealt with a body blow as another support staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of a practice session planned before the Test match.

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The players and other support staff members have been asked to isolate in their hotel rooms until further announcement. Already Indian team has been hit with three of their coaching members - Ravi Shastri, fielding coach R Sridhar, and bowling coach Bharat Arun forced into isolation post testing positive for COVID-19.

The medical staff have told all the support staff members to remain under strict isolation and have also instructed them not to travel anywhere for time being. After the England Test series, IPL bound Indian players will travel to UAE to take part in the second leg IPL, set to begin from September 19. 

The BCCI officials speculate Shastri and few others must have contacted the virus during a book launch event. Apparently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had warned the team members and support staff not to venture into public places. However, the team still decided to attend the book launch event. Meanwhile, the development has got the fifth Test in jeopardy. The BCCI is not sure whether the match can go ahead or not.

“The results of the RT-PCR tests (of players) are expected later in the day depending on which the fate of the game will be decided," said a BCCI source. The players have been told to remain in their respective rooms as RT-PCR testing is being carried out.