Ashes match referee David Boon tests positive for Covid-19

GEORGE DOBELL: Steve Bernard, a member of the International Panel of ICC Referees and based in New South Wales, will take over as match referee for the fourth Ashes Test match in Sydney starting on January 4

David Boon, the ICC match referee in the Ashes series, has tested positive for Covid-19.

Boon, who has shown no symptoms, is required to isolate in Melbourne for 10 days. It is currently anticipated that he will return to his role for the fifth Test in Hobart starting on January 14. He is fully vaccinated including having had a booster.

Boon has, along with both squads, their support staff, families and match officials, have been tested daily since December 27 when it emerged there was a positive case among England’s touring party. Seven members of the England travel group – three support staff and four family members – have subsequently tested positive. All but one is understood to be asymptomatic.

The group underwent further PCR tests on December 30. The results are expected within 24 hours.

Chris Silverwood, England’s head coach, is among those who have been recognised as close contacts of those who have tested positive. As a result, he has been required to isolate for a minimum of seven days. With a family member having tested positive, however, he has indicated he is likely to remain with them for the entire 10-day isolation period.

Steve Bernard, a member of the International Panel of ICC Referees and based in New South Wales, will take over as match referee for the fourth Ashes Test match. As things stand, that is still scheduled to start on January 5 in Sydney.

^{Steve Bernard will step into the breach in Sydney (Will Russell/Getty Images)}

Inevitably, the positive tests will raise questions about the viability of completing the series but Cricket Australia and the ECB seem adamant that the series will be completed.

While Australia has already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and the contest has been far from vintage, both are aware of the need to honour broadcast commitments.

The Ashes remains a hugely lucrative series for both boards. At least in the ECB’s case, they are also wary of the backlog of uncompleted fixtures which they have promised to complete in the coming months.

As things stand, Thursday’s PCR tests were the last scheduled for the sides in the short term. News of further positive tests may well persuade the authorities to conduct more in the coming days.

The teams fly to Sydney on a chartered plane on Friday (December 31). They are expected to continue to observe protocols to limit the potential spread of the virus.

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