Australia is hosting West Indies for a two-match Test series and is currently leading the series 1-0. However, all-rounder Cameron Green and head coach Andrew McDonald have tested positive for COVID-19. They are the latest member to test positive for COVID-19 after batter Travis Head contracted the virus after the first Test against West Indies in Adelaide. Still, it tested negative on Tuesday after flying to Brisbane on his own ahead of the second Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane.
On Wednesday Afternoon, Travis Head joined the squad for training and now he is free to take part in the Test match that starts on Thursday, January 25 without any restrictions. Cameron Green and coach Andrew McDonald will be separated from the group until they return a negative test. In line with Cricket Australia protocols, Green and McDonald can play their part in the Test even if they do not return negative results in the next 24 hours without any bio-bubble protocol.
Australia currently lead the two-Test series 1-0 after thrashing the West Indies by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The Gabba Test will be a day-night affair and Australia is yet to lose a pink-ball test. Australian skipper Pat Cummins said the hosts’ familiarity with utilizing the pink ball could work to their advantage. West Indies, on the other hand, has lost the three pink-ball Tests they have been a part of.
“No doubt playing a pink-ball Test almost every year, and some Shield cricket over the years with the pink ball, helps us familiarise ourselves … perhaps better than oppositions can, just by experience,” said Pat Cummins. Pat Cummins is in great form and was awarded the ICC Player of The Month for December 2023. He took two fifers in consecutive innings of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG.
Australia Is Currently The WTC Table Toppers
Australia is currently at the top of the table in the World Test Championship (2023-2025 cycle). They were the champions of the 2021-23 cycle defeating India in the finals that was played at the Kennington Oval in London in June 2023. They are again leading the charts and are looking to defend their WTC title. West Indies is currently eighth in the WTC table with a PCT of just 11.11 as they have lost two out of their three matches in this cycle and have drawn one.
The West Indies are yet to win a Test match in the current WTC cycle and they would have to get back on track in the red-ball cricket. Meanwhile, Australia would like to continue their domination in pink-ball Tests by winning their 12th consecutive match in the stipulation. Australia have tasted a lot of success under the leadership of Pat Cummins recently. They won the WTC title, retained the Ashes, and won the ODI World Cup 2023 which was held in India.
The second Test between Australia and West Indies will commence on January 25, Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane. It is known as the fortress for Australia as they have lost only one game in the last 32 years on this pitch which was against India in 2020-21.
The post Australia struck with worst possible news as key members get infected with COVID-19 appeared first on CricketAddictor.
Australia is hosting West Indies for a two-match Test series and is currently leading the series 1-0. However, all-rounder Cameron Green and head coach Andrew McDonald have tested positive for COVID-19. They are the latest member to test positive for COVID-19 after batter Travis Head contracted the virus after the first Test against West Indies
The post Australia struck with worst possible news as key members get infected with COVID-19 appeared first on CricketAddictor.
