Covid cases in England backroom staff cast doubt over viability of Ashes series

The England team underwent testing before being cleared to travel to the ground on the second day, which was delayed by 30 minutes

The future of the Ashes series has been thrown into doubt after four positive Covid cases within the England touring party.

It emerged ahead of play on the second day that two individuals in the family group that is currently traveling with the squad, as well as two of the England team's support staff, had returned positive Covid-19 tests.

The England team subsequently underwent testing before being cleared to travel to the ground. The start to the second day was delayed by 30 minutes.

It is understood that some of the coaching team and a couple of players who were outside the playing XI have remained at the hotel as they were deemed to be contacts of the people who have tested positive.

It is likely that the entire touring party – the squad, the coaches and their families – will undergo PCR tests after play on the second day. The results of those tests could define the viability of the rest of the series.

^{The start to the second day's play was delayed at the MCG (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)}

A Cricket Australia statement confirmed that "both teams will take extra precautions throughout play".

It added: "There is currently no further impact on fans or other parts of the venue. Cricket Australia and the MCC will continue to monitor the situation and follow the endorsed Victorian Government COVID-Safe Event Plan."

Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia chief executive, insisted the tour was not in doubt and it was a case of "business as usual".

"We have a very comprehensive and regular PCR testing regime throughout the tour," Hockley said. "So, as far as we're concerned, it's business as usual.

"But tonight the entire group will be tested. We just need to remain calm, get the facts, everyone needs to follow medical advice and on that basis... we keep going. That's part of continuing elite sport and major events at this time.

"The teams are being very vigilant practising social distancing so what that means we can say with a level of confidence people have been socially distanced. What we are all working to do is to keep this series going because the players on both sides are desperate to continue playing. We'll be doing everything we can to make sure that happens."

^{Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley is confident that the series will continue as scheduled (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)}

Hockley also denied any suggestion the locations for the final two Tests could be changed. The fourth Test is scheduled for Sydney and the fifth for Hobart.

"In Sydney we have an exclusive property for the playing group and we're flying there by charter," he said. "If these rapid antigen tests do convert into PCR positives we've already isolated these people and it's about minimising the risk of any further spread.

"[Playing in Sydney] is absolutely the plan and there's nothing to suggest otherwise. It's a day by day proposition. Both sides are really committed to continuing with the series. They were desperate to get out there this morning. Everyone is being extra vigilant but we are very excited about the New Year's Test and very excited about the first Ashes Test in Hobart."

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