Matt Renshaw tests positive for Covid but makes Australia return

The 26-year-old stood further away from his teammates during the pre-game anthems and then sat apart in the dugout once Australia began their batting innings

Matt Renshaw is playing his first Test since 2018 despite testing positive for Covid shortly before the start of the third Test between Australia and South Africa.

The batter, who has been outside the international fold for almost five years, began to feel unwell shortly before play began at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 26-year-old visibly stood further away from his teammates during the pre-game anthems and then sat apart in the dugout once Australia began their batting innings.

Peter Handscomb has been listed as an emergency fielder and could be called in as Covid substitute, but Renshaw will continue to take part in the match, as it stands. He will only be substituted out if he becomes too unwell.

^{Renshaw sat in isolation while Australia were batting (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)}

Renshaw is not the first Australian to play on despite recording a positive test: Tahlia McGrath took part in the Commonwealth Games gold-medal match at Edgbaston in August while sitting away from her teammates and wearing a mask.

Renshaw, with 11 Tests already under his belt, is due to bat at No.6 as a replacement for Cameron Green, who broke his finger during the second Test.

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