Kane Richardson becomes the first cricketer to be tested for coronavirus and is kept out of the opening ODI against New Zealand on Friday. Cricket Australia confirmed the news as they are following the Government protocols.
Abbott comes as cover for Richardson
Kane Richardson was suffering from a mild sore throat on Thursday which was reported to the medical staff immediately. As precautionary measures, he was tested for the coronavirus. Now he is being quarantined as awaits the reports and not playing the first match against New Zealand on Monday.
Cricket Australia spokesperson gave details of the same and said, “Our medical staff are treating this as a typical throat infection but we are following Australian Government protocols that require us to keep Kane away from other members of the squad and perform the appropriate tests given he has returned from international travel in the last 14 days.”
The release further stated that no comments will be made until the reports come. It added that they are expecting Richardson to re-join the team at the soonest. Sean Abbott has been added the squad as cover.
Cricket in Australia affected
Meanwhile as expected the three-match ODI series between Australia and New Zealand will be played behind the doors. Crowds will not be entertained in the wake of coronavirus threat globally. Refunds for the tickets will be made but this series will be soon followed by a T20I series between the two teams. No decision over the same has been made yet.
An official statement from CA clarified, “Cricket Australia will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation at home and overseas before making a decision on Australian men’s international matches beyond the Australian leg of the ODI tournament.” It further opined, “We understand that these changes to our schedule will impact many, but we hope our community will understand that the public health and safety issues caused by the coronavirus must take priority over the sport at this time. This is not an issue specific to cricket.”
