Australia wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead
of their match against arch-rivals England in the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage on
Friday.
Wade, though, is hopeful of playing and rules allow those who test positive during
this tournament to feature.
It is the second case in the Australia camp this week.
Spinner Adam Zampa returned a positive test on Tuesday and was left out of the XI
for Australia’s win over Sri Lanka after displaying minor symptoms.
Wade’s symptoms are understood to be mild. As it stands he is expected to be
available, although he will be assessed by medical staff on Friday in case his
condition deteriorates.
Earlier in the tournament, George Dockrell played for Ireland in a match against
Sri Lanka having tested positive for Covid-19.
The International Cricket Council’s tournament regulations say “the Biosafety
Advisory Group (BSAG) will be the final arbiter as to the Covid status of any player
and his consequential availability to participate in a match”.
In almost all cases the player would be allowed to play.
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Wade has been the only wicketkeeper in Australia’s squad since reserve Josh Inglis
was ruled out with a freak hand injury and all-rounder Cameron Green was called up
in his place.
When captain Aaron Finch was asked at the time who would keep wicket if Wade was
injured he said Warner was the most likely, although Maxwell was doing
wicketkeeping drills in training on Thursday.
Warner once filled in as keeper in a Test against Pakistan in 2014 after an injury to
Brad Haddin but has never started an international as the designated gloveman.
Finch has been mooted as another option, or bowler Mitchell Starc, who would have
to take the gloves around bowling his overs.
Friday’s match is crucial in Group 1 with both England and Australia having already
lost one of their two games so far.
Another defeat for either side would mean they were all but eliminated.
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