'I'm sure continuing the tour is the plan' - James Anderson on completion of Ashes amid COVID-19 scare

Amidst all the hype around the Boxing day Test at Melbourne, there was a COVID scare. As a few members of the touring party were tested positive for COVID-19, the start of day two was delayed by 30 minutes. This put a question mark over the continuation of the ongoing Ashes.

However, English pacer James Anderson went on to say that “continuing the tour is the plan”. During the press conference after the end of the second day’s play, he described the scenes around the England camp after it became evident that several members of the visitors had tested positive for COVID-19. The 39-year-old also confirmed that the entire team were scheduled to undergo RT PCR tests after play on the second day.

“We actually got on the bus to come to the ground at the usual time but were then told to get off because we found out about a couple of positive lateral flows. All the lads then went in and had lateral flows to make sure we were all okay and then waited for the all-clear to come here to the ground,” said James Anderson at the end of day two.

As far as I’m aware, the whole playing group feel fine: James Anderson

“I’m sure continuing the tour is the plan. It depends on the PCR test results and what situation that leaves us in. As long as the group that’s in at the ground today are negative I don’t see why we can’t carry on. We’re all having PCR tests now and we’ll need all those to be clear really if possible. So, we’ll just have to wait and see what the results are from them,” he added.

Moreover, the veteran fast bowler did go on to say that according to him, all the members who are playing the game feel fine. He even said that the team has started to follow the safety protocols to a larger extent. Thus, he remained positive about the series being continued.

“As far as I’m aware, the whole playing group feel fine. We’ve just stepped up safety protocols around the dressing room, wearing masks and keeping distance where possible,” said the Lancashire pacer. Owing to the Omicron variant, there has been a rise in the number of coronavirus cases in Australia. Nevertheless, cricket fans would hope that this mega-clash continues to take place without any disruptions.