England cricket team are now under strict quarantine two days before the start of their ODI series against Pakistan as seven of their members tested positive for COVID-19. From seven members, three players and four management members have tested positive. The England Cricket Board (ECB) said, “In collaboration with Public Health England, Public Wealth Wales and Bristol Local Health Authority, those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK government’s protocol on quarantine.”
The board added, “The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate.” As per ECB, Ben Stokes will lead the England side against the one-day international series against Pakistan after he returned to international duty ahead of schedule and lead the squad, which will be announced at 11am. ESPNcricinfo also reveals that the number of players are pulled out of County Championship to join up with the new squad and will undertake PCR tests to ensure the safety of the new squad.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2021
ECB’s chief executive, Tom Harrison tweeted, “We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of biosecure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. We are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to captain.” From day after tomorrow, England is going to play against Pakistan in their first of three ODI match series. The ODI series is scheduled from July 8 to July 13.
