'How lucky is Babar Azam!' - Twitter reacts after seven members of England men's contingent tests positive for COVID-19

COVID-19 has hit the England dressing room in the worst way possible. On Tuesday, the news of three England players and four support staff members testing positive for COVID-19 sent shockwaves across the United Kingdom. An alternative 18-member squad was announced to take part in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan.  

The England limited-overs squad led by Eoin Morgan was recently involved in a T20I and an ODI series against Sri Lanka at home. After winning both those series, the same set of players were chosen to take part in the three-match ODI and T20I series, which starts on July 8. However, the emergence of new cases has now made authorities isolate each and every player. 

Overnight, the England and Wales Cricket Board worked out things to make a new and alternate white-ball squad for the ODI series. The first ODI will be played on July 8 in Cardiff followed by the second and the third being scheduled on July 10 and 13 in Lords and Edgbaston respectively. 

James Vince, Ben Duckett back in the England mix

With the new 18-men squad announced, it was also revealed that Ben Stokes will join the team as the captain. The English all-rounder has been involved in county cricket in recent times. He was seen in action for Durham in the T20 Blast 2021 and also the ongoing County Championship 2021. He had been rested from the England team as he was recovering from an injury and trying to get back to full fitness. However, desperate times called for desperate measures to bring him in as the captain. 

Among the 18 men named for the ODI series against Pakistan, nine players have never played an international match for England. There were some familiar faces like Dawid Malan, Lewis Gregory, James Vince, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Zak Crawley and Phil Salt. Alex Hales failed to make the squad once again. 

When the news came out publicly, it sparked several comments and discussions by fans on Twitter. One of the fans joked if he can make it to the squad given his record in the sport in the 90s. One fan made a controversial statement saying that “Babar Azam is lucky” given how all main English player would be missing out and this serves him and his side a good chance to win the series. 

Oh brother. 7 members of England team test positive for #Covid. Not the news you wanted with a packed English cricket calendar. #PakvEng

— The Cricket Busters (@cricket_busters) July 6, 2021

Can someone answer this for me? When the Scottish footballer tested positive for Covid, the whole squad did not self isolate. What’s the difference for the England cricket team? #ENGvPAK #bbccricket #bbctms

— Mike Gibson (@MikeGibson1962) July 6, 2021

Loving the banter between @jimmy9 and @StuartBroad8 this morning re: the England cricket COVID news.

— niall kissick (@niallkissick) July 6, 2021

How lucky is @babarazam258 ! Goes to South Africa and their top players leave for IPL. Now England's best players are out with Covid! Amazing luck!

— Fahad Fazli (@FahadFazli) July 6, 2021

Shocking News📣:
7 Players of England Cricket Team Tested Positive For Covid-19 Including Eoin Morgan..
Ben Stokes will captain England Squad vs Pakistan series starting from 8th July.#ENGvPAK

— Mustafa Tabassum🇵🇰❤ | #LQ #MS💚 (@MustafaTabass17) July 6, 2021

As the #englandcricket #ECB team is mostly now COVID-ridden and isolating. Beginning to wonder if my limited overs average of 16 from the ‘90’s is sufficient for the call? I know they’re running out of players fast, so 🤞As long as tea is laid on, I don’t need paying either.

— Jonny King (@jkmzedder) July 6, 2021

I’ve got 8 tickets for England Vs Pakistan T20 at Headingley July 18th ,
If two of us agree to play for England can the other 6 still come and watch under covid restrictions ? #ENGvPAK @bbctms #BBCTMS @ECB_cricket @englandcricket #YCCC @YorkshireCCC https://t.co/rutbSHq6VQ

— Martin Threadgold (@FredgoldMartin) July 6, 2021

so, the England cricket team loosened it's tight 'bubble' restrictions that all were living in and now 3 players and 4 support staff have covid, resulting in the whole team now having to quarantine

a snap-shot of what will happen to the country in a few weeks

— Tony Standing 180 (@TonyDJTStanding) July 6, 2021

7 of the England Cricket now tested positive for COVID.

Pakistan may need a few pick up games over the next few weeks?

Anyone in??

— TheeonlyCraig (@theeonlycraig) July 6, 2021

England v Pakistan: Seven positive Covid-19 tests force naming of new squad for hosts.

Headline from bbc cricket this morning!
Now the question is: If the entire team and coaching staff have been in they si called Bio Bubble, how has this happened?
Guess the bubble has a leak!

— Brian Perren (@brianjp13) July 6, 2021