Ashes 2021-22: Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Sydney Test

Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia, Nick Hockley, has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the fourth Ashes Test, starting Wednesday, January 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite being fully vaccinated, Hockley contracted the coronavirus after he developed mild symptoms.

As per CA, Hockley didn’t have direct contacts with the Aussie men’s or other teams, meaning that he followed the rules and regulations in the bio-secure bubbles. Going by the New South Wales government rules, Hockley is currently staying in isolation. His family members, in the meantime, have returned negative RT-PCR tests.

Nick Hockley opens up

“After experiencing mild symptoms, I immediately got a PCR test which has since returned a positive result,” Hockley said in a statement, Stuff reported.

Over the last month, COVID-19 cases have surged in various cricket teams in Australia. The Ashes itself has witnessed quite a few cases where cricketers, support staff and their family members tested positive for the ungodly virus.

Left-handed batter Travis Head tested positive after which he went into isolation in Melbourne along with his partner as per the rules of the Victorian government. The southpaw is now set to miss the Sydney Test.

England head coach Chris Silverwood also contracted the virus. Matches in the ongoing Big Bash League have also got postponed due to COVID-19 entering the camps. Hockley talked about the importance of getting fully vaccinated and taking care of one’s well-being.

“Over recent days, we have seen cases in relation to the Australian men’s Ashes team and some of the BBL teams,” he stated.

“It is a reminder of the complexity Covid-19 presents for major sporting events and the importance of being vaccinated, getting a booster as soon as possible, and getting tested as soon as symptoms present themselves,” Hockley added.

Recently, former Aussie fast bowler Glenn McGrath tested positive ahead of the SCG Test, which will be played in honour of his late wife Jane. But as per reports, McGrath is likely to get fit for the third day’s play on Friday.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match Test series with victories in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.