Ashes 2021-22: England's make-shift coach Adam Hollioake in isolation ahead of Sydney Test

England lost the Ashes after losing the Boxing Day Test match by an innings and 14 runs. The remaining two games have been surrounded by a lot of doubts because of the COVID cases in the English camp. The English team is without head coach Chris Silverwood, spin mentor Jeetan Patel, and strength and conditioning specialist Darren Veness – who all are currently isolated in Melbourne.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) invited former one-day captain Adam Hollioake to take up the coaching duties for the Sydney Test. But as soon as he arrived, he was identified as close contact of one of the positive cases and has been sent into quarantine. The English support staff now comprise only of Silverwood’s assistant Graham Thorpe along with temporary consultants Ant Botha and James Foster.

On Sunday, England batters started their net practice by facing a few club cricketers from the surrounding areas. It is a practice that many teams follow to get lengthier sessions without putting much pressure on their bowlers. But, the practice session could go on for only 40 minutes after which the net bowlers were asked to leave.

It was later confirmed that one of the net bowlers had returned with a positive case. There was some suggestion that his result was due to a previous infection. But, the English team decided not to take additional risks. “As soon as we became aware of the positive test, net bowlers were removed from supporting our practice. Practice remained in place until we finished at 1.00pm and that positive case did not cancel practice,” England’s spokesperson said according to Belast Telegraph.

Travis Head will miss the fourth Test after testing Covid positive

On December 31, Cricket Australia revealed that middle-order batter Travis Head returned a positive result following a routine PCR Test. He was asymptomatic and is now in isolation with his partner in Melbourne.

Cricket Australia has added Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson, and Josh Inglis to the squad as additional cover. Usman Khawaja looks set to replace Head in Australia’s playing XI as he was a serious contender for the middle-order role at the start of the series. Head is the only player from both sides to Test positive for Covid-19. Match referee David Boon also tested positive and is now in isolation.