Melbourne Stars v Perth Scorchers postponed after Covid-19 positive

A Stars staff member is currently isolating with all those deemed to be close contacts awaiting the results of PCR tests carried out on Thursday (December 30) before the campaign can fully resume

The Big Bash League has suffered its first postponement due to Covid-19 after a member of the Melbourne Stars camp tested positive just hours before the clash with Perth Scorchers.

The unnamed individual is currently isolating. All those identified as close contacts have undergone PCR tests and are awaiting the results.

Due to those not being returned in sufficient time before the match with second-place Scorchers, the fixture at Marvel Stadium has been put back.

A new date will be confirmed in due course in what is already a packed tournament schedule.

"While regrettable, the decision to postpone tonight’s match was the only option available given the exposures within the Stars cohort," Cricket Australia’s general manager of Big Bash Leagues Alistair Dobson said.

"The league has a number of biosecurity protocols in place to keep our participants safe and the competition moving forward.

^{Stars are currently sixth in the BBL table with three wins from six (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)}

"These protocols are regularly reviewed in response to the risks in each state. Safety remains our number one priority and we will work with the Stars to get their side back on the field as soon as possible."

Stars general manager Blair Crouch added: "We are understandably disappointed for our members, fans, partners and broadcasters that tonight's match against the Scorchers cannot go ahead, but the broader health of our players, staff and the community comes first.

"The staff member is being managed by Melbourne Stars medical staff in consultation with Cricket Australia and we look forward to them being able to return to the group in due course."

The three-time runners-up now face an anxious wait for the results from the latest round of testing to discover whether there are any fresh positives.

They are next in action on January 2 against Scorchers at Junction Oval before the Melbourne derby with the Renegades the following day on January 3 at the MCG.