Cricket Australia has stated that the ongoing Ashes series will go ahead as per the planned itinerary. The fate of the remaining Tests remains uncertain after four non-playing members of the England contingent returned positive tests for COVID-19.
The start of the second day’s play in the Boxing Day Test was delayed by half an hour following multiple positive tests within the England camp. England players and coaches were still at their team hotel within an hour of the original start time of 10.30 am on Monday, before receiving the all-clear to be bussed to the MCG. The play was only delayed by 30 minutes, and all session times have been pushed back by half an hour.
The channel Seven broadcaster, who was working on the Ashes broadcast is also said to have tested positive on Sunday evening. All the leading commentators of Channel Seven Ricky Ponting, Ian Botham, and Mel McLaughlin were all missing during the proceedings on Day 2 at the MCG. However, despite all the chaos, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has said that plans had been set in place for a situation like this.
“Our protocols are designed for absolutely this set of events. We’ve got strong protocols. We’ve got very comprehensive testing regimes. We just need to remain calm and get the facts. Everyone needs to follow medical advice. On that basis, we keep going. We’ve been working on the plans for this tour for over six months.” said CA chief executive Nick Hockley