The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that seven members – three players and four team management staff – of the 16-member England Men’s ODI squad have tested positive for Covid-19. The result came out after ECB administered RT-PCR tests on 5 July in Bristol.
However, the ECB confirmed England’s upcoming limited-overs series against Pakistan will go ahead. Ben Stokes, on his return to national colours, will captain England in both ODIs and T20Is.
Pakistan squad members and support staff will also undergo PCR tests to ensure safety in bio-bubble.
Tom Harrison, ECB’s CEO, said: ‘We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of biosecure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to captain.’
Further, ECB mentioned the other England squad members, who were in close contact in the recently concluded Sri Lanka series with the Covid-19 positive members, will self-isolate for two days.
England will play three ODIs and three T20Is against Pakistan, starting 8 July at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.