Picture Credit: ECB
England's camp has been shocked by the several positive results for COVID amongst their coaching staff which is set to hamper their preparations for the fourth Tests of the Ashes scheduled to start from January 5 at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Reports have now confirmed that England head coach Chris Silverwood has been tested positive for COVID-19 and set to miss the fourth Test of the Ashes. As per reports, Silverwood along with his family are in isolation since December 30th, 2021 in Melbourne due to positive tests results.
Notably, England's camp has already been stunned with several positive results which include fast-bowling coach Jon Lewis, spin coach Jeetan Patel and strength and conditioning coach Darren Veness. However, England's preparation for the fourth Test suffered another shock when they were informed about Adam Hollioake, the former ODI captain, now living in Sydney who was to join as a substitute of the not-so-fit coaching staff, was also isolated after he came in close contact with a COVID positive call.
"Silverwood will remain in isolation until January 8. Silverwood is asymptomatic and is fully vaccinated. He is expected to return to the England party in Hobart ahead of the fifth Ashes Test", read the statement released by ECB. However, both squads have been undergoing regular COVID-19 tests since the first case emerged in the England touring party on December 27. So far Travis Head is the only case among the Australia squad.
England to play for pride
England has already lost the urn by 3-0 for the third time in a row, owing to their disappointing performance in Australia. The hosts dominated England in all the departments and handed over an embarrassing series loss in just 12 days of the campaign. The third Test in Melbourne saw England's campaign stoop to its lowest. The visitors were bundled out for 68 in their second innings to lose by an innings and 14 runs inside three days.