ENG vs NZ: Ben Foakes tests positive for COVID-19, Sam Billings inducted in playing XI

In what can be called a major blow for Team England, wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes has tested positive for COVID-19 midway through the ongoing third and final Test against New Zealand. Foakes couldn’t keep wickets on Day 3 of the contest as he was suffering from back stiffness. On further medical assessment, it was learnt that the right-handed batter has contracted the virus.

Meanwhile, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development in an official statement released on June 26. With Foakes getting ruled out of the ongoing fixture, Sam Billings, subject to ICC approval, has been drafted in as a like-for-like COVID replacement. Hence, he’ll go straight into the playing XI and will keep wickets on Day 4 of the contest.

Ben Foakes likely to be available for India Test

While Foakes’ return to the squad will be announced in due course, he’s expected to be available for the rescheduled fifth Test against England, which gets underway on July 1 at Edgbaston. Meanwhile, ECB has also confirmed that there isn’t any other causality in the squad.

“The rest of the England party follows health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required. There are no other positive cases in the camp,” read the statement.

Meanwhile, Foakes has been brilliant behind the stump this series and has also played some handy knocks. Hence, Billings will have a point to prove and the 31-year-old would be raring to make a mark. Coming to the proceedings of the ongoing clash, New Zealand are 168/5 in their second innings, leading by 137 runs. The visitors certainly need a big partnership to comeback in the contest as England batters have been on a roll this series.

The likes of Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and even new skipper Ben Stokes have played some sensational knocks and hence, the hosts will back themselves to chase the target set by New Zealand and register a 3-0 clean sweep. Having already lost the series, New Zealand have nothing but pride to play for.