Bangladesh spin coach Rangana Herath tests positive for Covid-19

The Bangladesh side are currently in New Zealand ahead of a two-match Test series in January. The whole squad is now in isolation

Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach Rangana Herath has tested positive for Covid-19.

The national side are currently in New Zealand ahead of a two-match Test series, which is scheduled to begin on January 1 (December 31 in the UK) in Tauranga.

The entire squad, who had been training in Lincoln on December 16, have been asked to complete a mandatory three-day room quarantine because of their proximity to Herath on the flight.

Eight players were already in isolation after an individual on their Christchurch-bound flight tested positive for Covid-19.

Speaking to Dhaka’s The Daily Star on Thursday, Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO, Nizamuddin Chowdury, said: "We’re maintaining the existing protocol. We will get a clear picture [on December 17] as they have taken a few samples today [Thursday] and the results are due. Since the players are isolated, hopefully no other complications will arise. This is part of the new reality."

Bangladesh are scheduled to play two warm-up matches ahead of the first Test in the New Year. They will then head to Christchurch’s Hagley Oval for the second Test, starting on January 9. 

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