England coach Chris Silverwood forced into isolation, will miss fourth Ashes Test
England coach Chris Silverwood will miss the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney after being forced into isolation due to the growing COVID-19 outbreak impacting the tourists.
The England side this week has been forced to undergo regular testing for COVID-19 after the Boxing Day Test was nearly cancelled mid-match when two family members and two support staff tested positive.
Following another round of testing, England this morning revealed that Silverwood and his family will need to isolate for 10 days after the touring party's cluster grew to seven cases.
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"Following the latest round of PCR tests administered to the England Men's touring party on Wednesday 29 December, one family member has tested positive," England Cricket said in a statement.
England coach Chris Silverwood with Test captain Joe Root. Getty
"As a result of the positive test, England Men's Head Coach Chris Silverwood will have to isolate for 10 days, along with his family, in Melbourne and will miss the fourth Ashes Test due to start in Sydney on Wednesday 5 January 2022.
"A fourth successive round of PCR tests will be administered today (Thursday).
"The touring party have recorded seven positive cases - three support staff and four family members - since a PCR testing regime was implemented on Monday 27 December.
"Both teams - England and Australia - are due to fly to Sydney via a chartered flight on Friday morning."
England lost the third test, and with it the series, as Australia took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match Ashes.
Both teams will fly to Sydney on a chartered flight on Friday morning and have an entire hotel complex booked out for them in the city's eastern suburbs to minimise risk of contracting the virus.
- with AP
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