Lagatar24 Desk
Adelaide, Dec 16: Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins will miss the second Ashes Test against England after being deemed a close contact of a person who received a positive COVID-19 test last night.
“Cummins was dining in a restaurant last night and did not breach any biosecurity protocols. He was isolated as soon as he became aware of the situation and has since had a PCR test, which produced a negative result,” says Cricket Australia.
“SA Health has confirmed that Cummins is a close contact and will be required to be isolated for seven days. As a consequence, Cummins is unavailable to play in the second Vodafone men’s Ashes Test match in Adelaide, starting today,” added Cricket Australia.
Australian captain Pat Cummins has been deemed a close contact of a person who received a positive Covid-19 test last night and is unavailable to play in the second Vodafone #Ashes Test.
We anticipate that he will be available to play in the third Test at the MCG in Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/o6JxIdL9pn
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 16, 2021
The board also said that they anticipate that he will be available to play in the third Vodafone men’s Ashes Test at the MCG in Melbourne. Cummins is understandably very disappointed not to be able to captain Australia for the day-night Test in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith will be the captain of the team in Cummins’ absence. Michael Neser comes into the playing XI to make his Test debut and Travis Head will be vice-captain.
“Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were dining at the same restaurant as Cummins but at a separate table outdoors. SA Health has deemed them casual contacts and they are free to play,” said Cricket Australia.
Pat Cummins said in a tweet that he is really excited to see Neser finally getting his chance in the baggy green.
Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) December 16, 2021
