Continuation of The Ashes cast into further doubt as Travis Head tests positive for COVID-19
Positive COVID-19 tests from both Australia and England's camps continue to cast doubt over the remaining two Tests of The Ashes series, with Travis Head the latest to catch the virus.
Match referee David Boon has also been forced to stand down from the New Year Test after contracting the virus, and the onward march of the Omicron variant has also threatened the continuation of the Big Bash League.
The hosts began covering their bases by drafting in Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis and Nic Maddinson in as squad cover, yet even the act of calling up three players suggests they are already preparing for further absentees.
Australian batter Travis Head has tested positive to Covid-19 following a routine PCR test.
ā Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 31, 2021
As a precautionary measure Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have joined the Australian squad as additional cover.
Full statement š pic.twitter.com/1j6o80qZJI
Head has averaged 62 this series, making him Australia's leading run-scorer with 248. He could be replaced by Usman Khawaja at the SCG, with the experienced batter having served 12th man duties throughout the series.