Pat Cummins out of isolation, confirmed for Boxing Day Test in Melbourne

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has been confirmed for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, starting on December 26. Cummins was ruled out of the second Test after he came in close contact with a Covid patient. The skipper had gone out to dine with Adelaide Strikers fast bowler Harry Conway. Unfortunately for him, the person sitting on the adjacent table was found positive for the virus after which Cummins was forced into isolation.

Advertisment

A report in cricket.com.au revealed that Cummins has been allowed to train after testing negative and will not have to serve COVID-19 related isolation anymore. "Cummins, who has tested negative to the virus, can mix with family but only in small groups while being urged to avoid any highly populated location, particularly indoors.

But being able to train and do fitness work is a bonus for the fast bowler who would have been contained to a hotel room for seven days had he remained in Adelaide," said a report in cricket.com.au

Earlier, Australia had lost Josh Hazlewood to a side strain as well. This meant that Australia had to go in with a relatively inexperienced fast bowling attack, with Mitchell Starc as the leader. Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser replaced Hazlewood and Cummins respectively.

Advertisment

Speaking about the game, Australia are in a commanding position having scored a mammoth 473 in their first innings. England were jolted by early blows but Dawid Malan and Joe Root held fort for the team. England are 140-2 at Dinner on Day 3.