AUS vs SA: Visuals of Covid positive Matt Renshaw chatting with fourth umpire during SCG Test turn heads

Australian cricketer Matt Renshaw tested positive for Covid but still got included in the ongoing third Test match against South Africa which started on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). It was surprising to see a Covid positive cricketer being allowed to play a match but it turned more shocking when the batter was spotted having a chat with the fourth umpire. 

Australia-based journalist Bharat Sundaresan also highlighted the big change in cricketing set up after the pandemic and said it's remarkable to witness a positive-tested player walking around without a mask.

"Matt Renshaw having a chat with the fourth umpire. Remarkable how much the world has changed that someone with a positive RAT Test is not only allowed to continue playing a Test but also can walk around without a mask #AusvSA," Bharat Sundaresan wrote in his Tweet.

Matt Renshaw having a chat with the fourth umpire. Remarkable how much the world has changed that someone with a positive RAT Test is not only allowed to continue playing a Test but also can walk around without a mask #AusvSA pic.twitter.com/B6TwYRIMLp

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 4, 2023

Doesn't seem worth the risk: Fans reacted to Matt Renshaw's inclusion

Renshaw was spotted keeping a safe distance from players during the national anthems and also sat separately around the dugout. But the cricket fans didn't seem okay with the Australian management's decision to play the Covid-19 positive cricketer. Fans seemed in agreement with their comments on Bharat Sundaresan's Tweet and felt that it was an irresponsible decision from the management.

Outdoors it should be OK but I'm shocked that they still picked him before a 5 day game (3 most likely!). You don't know how he will feel later on and risk to the rest of the team if they are indoors together. Doesn't seem worth the risk.

— Budz (@budzw) January 4, 2023

While we have to live with COVID this is irresponsible and sends the wrong message, especially at a match dedicated to fighting cancer (whose suffers have compromised immunity). Those who test positive should self-isolate.

— JL (@LaingAU) January 4, 2023

However, according to the new ICC rules, the players are allowed to play the match even if they are tested positive for Covid-19. The top-ranked Australian batter Tahlia McGrath also featured against India Women in the final of the 2022 Commonwealth Games despite suffering from the Covid-19 virus. 

In another similar incident, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade was also cleared to play against England in the T20 World Cup 2022 but the match was abandoned due to rain.

Renshaw was added to the squad after Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc were ruled out of the third match due to their injuries. Renshaw is returning to international cricket after four years after consistent impressive performances in Sheffield Shield for Queensland.

"Australian batter Matthew Renshaw reported feeling unwell shortly before play in the third Test match against South Africa in Sydney and was separated from the squad. Renshaw has since returned a positive RAT test. He will continue to take part in the match," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said on Wednesday.

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