Ben Stokes, the England all-rounder, will make his comeback in the Royal London Series against Pakistan at home. For the first time, he will captain England in one-day internationals. While playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, Stokes hurt his left index finger.
Following the revelation that three members of the initial playing group and four members of the management staff had tested positive for COVID-19, the whole team was obliged to isolate, according to the ECB.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Tuesday that seven members of the England Men’s One-day International (ODI) team that will face Pakistan had tested positive for COVID-19. Close connections have been assigned to the rest of the contingent. Three players and four members of the management staff tested positive.
“The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that seven members of the England Men’s ODI party have tested positive for COVID-19 following PCR tests administered yesterday (Monday) in Bristol,” the ECB said in a statement. “Three players and four management team members 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.”
England will face Pakistan in one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 internationals (T20Is), with the first ODI, set for July 8 in Cardiff. The Pakistan series will go on, according to the ECB, and Ben Stokes will return to the team to captain the new side, which will be announced soon.
In the “coming few hours,” the English board will name the team for the Pakistan series.
“We’ve been concerned that the introduction of the Delta variety, along with our shift away from strict biosecure environment regulation, might raise the risk of an epidemic,” ECB CEO Tom Harrison stated.
We made the strategic decision to attempt to adjust measures in order to assist the general well-being of our players and management personnel, who have spent most of the previous 14 months living in extremely confined spaces.
“Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to Captain,” he added
