Three players and four staff personnel from England's cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news in an official press release on Tuesday (July 06), only two days before the commencement of the ODI series against Pakistan.
"Following PCR tests administered yesterday (Monday) in Bristol, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that seven members – three players and four management team members- of the England Men's ODI party have tested positive for COVID-19," said ECB in an official release.
"Those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK Government's protocol on quarantine. The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate," the release further mentioned.
The ECB have confirmed the Royal London ODIs and the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan will go ahead as per the current schedule. The board also confirmed that Ben Stokes will be the captain of the fresh squad.
"Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad – which will be named in the next few hours. Incoming squad and support team members will follow PCR tests and bridging protocols to ensure safe entry to camp," said ECB.
The first England vs Pakistan ODI is slated to be played at Cardiff on July 8.
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