Michael Bracewell, a New Zealand allrounder, tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on their official website.
"After waking up with symptoms, Bracewell had a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). Before rejoining the group for the final Test at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday, June 23, he would be isolated for five days "NZC stated.
Bracewell had recently made his Test debut against England in the second Test at Trent Bridge, scoring 49 and 25 runs in both innings while bowling 3/62 and 0/60 with his off-breaks, including the wicket of opposition captain Ben Stokes in the first innings.
The rest of the touring party will be checked today, and the tour's health protocols for symptom reporting and further testing, if necessary, will continue. "At this time, no substitute player is being sought," NZC stated.
Bracewell, who made his international debut against the Netherlands in ODIs at home earlier this year, is the second member of New Zealand's touring team to test positive for Covid-19 during the series. Kane Williamson, the regular skipper, missed the Trent Bridge Test last year after acquiring the virus on the eve of the match.
Batter Henry Nicholls, pacer Blair Tickner, and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen all tested positive for Covid-19 prior of their tour match against Sussex in Brighton before the start of the Test series. The third and final Test of the series, in which England holds a commanding 2-0 lead, will begin on June 23 at Headingley.