ECB report zero positive Covid-19 tests among players, officials and staff at bio-secure venues

The news comes as a major boost for the governing body, who have implemented stringent screening processes to ensure all risk is mitigated and the three-match campaign protected

Latest England news

None of the 702 Covid-19 tests taken by players, officials and staff at the two bio-secure venues being used before and during the upcoming Test series between England and West Indies have come back positive.

The ECB announced on Wednesday that all those tested between June 3 and June 23 have received negative results. This includes instances of one person being tested more than once.

The news comes as a major boost for the governing body, who have implemented stringent screening processes to ensure all risk is mitigated and the three-match campaign protected.

The Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford are the two grounds staging the series, as well as the two teams' preparations.

England's 30-man training group moved into the Hilton Hotel at the Ageas Bowl on Tuesday afternoon, and spent the majority of the past 24 hours in isolation in their rooms as they waited for their test results.

Jofra Archer, the England fast bowler, will join the camp late after a household member fell ill over the weekend. He has subsequently tested negative for Covid-19 and will wait on the result of a second test before joining the group on Thursday.

An ECB statement read: "The England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that 702 Covid-19 tests were carried out between June 3 and June 23 with several stakeholder groups working at the bio-secure venues of the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford. These groups include players, support staff, match officials, ECB staff, venue staff and hotel staff. 

"We can confirm that all 702 tests were negative."

West Indies, meanwhile, have completed their 14-day government-mandated quarantine in Manchester and are currently taking part in an intra-squad game at Emirates Old Trafford.

The first Test between the sides is due to begin on July 8 at the Ageas Bowl. England will name a formal Test squad at the end of a three-day practice match, scheduled to begin on July 1.

Save 30% when you subscribe to The Cricketer’s print & digital bundle. £35 for 12 issues

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on everything England - including leading coverage of England in India, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.