Peter Handscomb tests positive for COVID-19

Australia middle-order batter and Middlesex captain Peter Handscomb has tested positive for COVID-19. He was set to play County Championship Group two-game on Sunday but pulled out at the last minute after he got the test result. Eventfully, Tim Murtagh had to step in place of Handscomb and lead the team against Leicestershire. Before getting the test results, the Australian batter had a dull outing for Middlesex as he could not notch up any substantial score, which would have pressed his case for a return in the Australian side.

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The 30-year-old has just scored 227 runs in seven games this season for Middlesex at an ordinary average of 17.46. With Australia preferring the likes of Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Matthew wade instead, Handscomb would have loved to have some runs under his belt, before the high-octane Ashes series Down Under in 2021-22. 

Now the 30-year-old’s return to the Australian setup seems highly unlikely as the management might want to give a long rope to all-rounder Green. The youngster impressed one all with his technique and composure against India in the Test series.

Handscomb last played for Australia in 2019 against India. During that series too, he could not get going and was dropped by selectors in the coming few series. He has so far played 16 Tests for Australia, scoring 934 runs at a healthy average of 38.92.

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