Two members of England’s support staff and two family members of the support staff returned positive COVID-19 rapid antigen tests before play on the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The match continues as scheduled after all players tested negative with rapid tests, although there are now questions about how the series can be played from here.

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The England team and management are currently at the team hotel awaiting results of RFT COVID tests following a positive test in the team’s family group.

We will provide more information in due course.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 26, 2021

Game was delayed by 30 minutes–

The game was delayed by 30 minutes. After two members of England’s support staff and two family members came back to test positive for Covid.

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Cricket Australia has been informed-

“Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England cricket team’s support staff and two members of their family. They have returned a positive COVID-19 rapid antigen test,” a CA statement said.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT #Ashes

Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England Cricket Team’s support staff and two of their family members have returned a positive COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. The affected individuals are currently isolating.

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— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 26, 2021

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley spoke shortly after play resumed the second day. And he was confident the game and the series could continue.

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New South Wales reported 6,324 new Covid cases-

New South Wales reported 6,324 new Covid cases on Monday from 97,241 tests on Boxing Day. Hockley was confident that the fourth Test in Sydney, starting on January 5, was not in danger, despite the high number of cases there.

Seven Network confirms it is responding after a member of staff working on the Ashes broadcast at MCG tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday night,” Martin said. “The staff member was asymptomatic at the time of testing and is in self-isolation since the positive result came.

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Martin confirmed that the main commentary team-

Australian television broadcaster Channel Seven had to completely replace its commentary team on the second day in Melbourne. After it was confirmed that one of their team had returned a positive Covid test. Sport’s Seven Network head Lewis Martin confirmed that the main commentary team, consisting of Ricky Ponting and Sir Ian Botham, are in isolation and will not be part of the broadcast until they return negative PCR tests. Seven’s BBL commentary team has stepped in to fill the breach.