Seven members including 3 players of the England Men's ODI contingent have tested positive for COVID-19. England has to play 3 ODIs and 3-match T20 series against Pakistan. The first match will take place on 8 July. After that, the English team will play 5 Tests against Team India from August.
In an official release, the ECB said, "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. In collaboration with Public Health England, Public Health Wales and Bristol Local Health Authority, 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."
"We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of biosecure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak," it added.
England will select the new team for the first ODI against Pakistan. The captaincy of this team given to all-rounder Ben Stokes. However, the names of the players who got infected have not been disclosed yet. According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the infected players and staff have been quarantined. The other members of the contingent have been termed close contacts and undergoing isolation for 10 days. The new playing-XI for the first ODI against Pakistan will announced soon.
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