Massive setback for England team in the home series against Pakistan as 7- members test positive for COVID-19
Out of 7-members who were tested positive for Coronavirus were three players four backroom staff members. Now the England Team is forced into a situation to select a new playing 11 after seven members of the team tested positive as the report said three players and four backroom staff members were tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday.
The first ODI between England vs Pakistan is starting in Cardiff on Thursday, July 08. The England captain earlier Eoin Morgan said it is too soon to consider Ben Stokes as a member of playing 11. The current all-rounder was out of the squad for several weeks due to having an injured finger. The rest of the new team that will face Pakistan will be said on Tuesday.
The ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison said “We have been prepared for this moment, and mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with the move away from stringent enforcement biosecure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak “. “We made a strategic choice to try to adapt to protocols, to support the overall well-being of the players and management staff who have spent of the 14 months living in very restricted conditions.
” Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties and captain the side.
“We also recognize the impact this news will have on our first-class countries and their playing squad and thank them, along with our partners SKY and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing over this pandemic”.
Responding to the development, the ECB have expressed their satisfaction over the “assurances and guarantees” given by ECB over existing protocols in place for the Pakistan team and support staff safety.
The board said in a statement that “Pakistan Cricket Board has been in close contact with England and Wales Cricket regarding the concerns about the health and safety of its players since the news of since the news of COVId-19 outbreak in the England camp”.
“The PCB satisfied by the assurances and guarantees provided by the ECB on behalf of its medical panel,’’ said the PCB.
The cricket board said it “feels comfortable with the existing protocols that have been in place to ensure the Pakistan plyers and players support staff to remain safe and secure”. The PCB also said it would be in touch with the team management advising them to exercise “extra caution” at the hotel and match venues.