Picture Credit: Twitter
In a big blow to India’s much-anticipated 5-match Test series against England, wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant tested positive for Covid-19. Notably, he was tested positive a few days back and shall complete his isolation by July 18. Pant was seen clicking pictures with fans and supporters at the Wembley Stadium when he went to watch a football game of Euro 2020. He is also being criticized for not adhering to Covid norms and social distancing protocols.
Later in the day, Team India’s support staff member Dayananda Garani was also tested positive and has been asked to quarantine. Wriddhiman Saha, B. Arun and Abhimanyu Easwaran have also been asked to stay in isolation since they were in close contact with Garani.
Reacting on the same, former English cricketer Michael Vaughan has expressed his concern, stating that it’s the need of the hour to change the isolation laws in the UK ahead of the five-match Test series.
Vaughan calls for change in isolation laws, fears Ashes will get affected
The former English cricketer’s comments came after Rishabh Pant was tested positive and was in isolation for the last eight days. He expressed his concern towards the England squad ahead of the five-match Test series against India.
"I fear for the 100 & the Indian Test series unless the isolation laws change .. we are bound to have cases as is the case with @RishabhPant17.. plus further down the line, I fear the Ashes could be hugely affected with players pulling out unless bubbles/quarantine rules change!" Vaughan tweeted.
Vaughan, however, did not clearly specify what changes he would like to see in the quarantine norms and bio-bubble laws pertaining to players’ isolation.
Pant set to miss India’s practice match in Durham
In order to ensure that Team India has enough practice before the much-awaited Test series, BCCI requested the ECB to organize a practice match for Team India to avoid what happened at the WTC final. Following this, the squad side is set to play a practice match in Durham starting July 20. However, the wicketkeeper-batsman will not be travelling to Durham with the Virat Kohli-led India for the practice match ahead of the high-intensity series which is set to take place from August 4.