Ashes 2021-22: Glenn McGrath tests positive for COVID-19, could miss Sydney Test

Former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath has tested positive for COVID-19 and could miss the fourth Ashes Test to be played in honour of his late wife Jane. Earlier, on Monday, January 3, the veteran speedster was supposed to attend a launch function at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

However, he must now go into isolation after the positive RT-PCR test. Reports also suggested that McGrath, also known as The Pigeon, can attend the third day of the Test match on Friday, January 7 if he manages to return a negative coronavirus test.

The development surrounding McGrath came to the fore after reports came that England’s training session was disrupted due to a lack of net bowlers after they were considered close contacts of a COVID-19 infected person.

Glenn McGrath expected to be fit for Day three

“Glenn has had a PCR test which unfortunately returned a positive result. We wish Glenn and his family good health,” Holly Masters, the Chief Executive Officer of the McGrath Foundation, was quoted as saying on The Weekend Australian.

“We are hopeful Glenn will remain well and return a negative result in time to attend Day 3 of the Pink Test, now known as Jane McGrath Day on 7 January.

“We are grateful to our partners at Cricket Australia and the SCG, as well as the England Cricket team and the broadcasters for their ongoing support for the Pink Test and look forward to still making this the ‘pinkest’ Ashes,” Masters added.

COVID-19 has entered the camps of both the Australian and English national teams. Previously, left-handed batter Travis Head also tested positive for the ungodly virus and is currently isolating in Melbourne along with his partner going by the regulations of the Victorian government.

Head won’t be a part of the fourth and penultimate Test of the series to begin on Wednesday, January 5. Chris Silverwood, the England head coach, won’t be a part of the Sydney Test either after he was deemed as a close contact of a coronavirus positive case.

Australia are currently leading the five-match Test series 3-0 after wins in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. The Bellerive Oval in Hobart will host the fifth and final Test.