HUSSEY TESTS NEGATIVE FOR COVID

India exit hinges on second negative result

MIKE Hussey, who has been left behind in India after his compatriots left on Thursday, has returned a negative test to COVID-19 and must pass one more before he can leave India.

The Chennai Super Kings batting coach has been in isolation since being diagnosed with the virus earlier in the week.

Hussey believes he caught it by sitting next to bowling coach L Balaji who was one of three who first fell ill at the franchise.

The side was in Ahmedabad and Hussey was flown to Chennai where the franchise believed he would be better cared for after the IPL was postponed. Most of the Australian contingent flew to the Maldives on Thursday where they will wait out the travel ban imposed by the Australian government.

Sunrisers Hyderabad director of cricket Tom Moody has, however, flown to Sri Lanka to take up a similar role there with that country’s national side. There has been some suggestion those from different franchises would remain socially distanced at the hotel where the Australians are staying for fear of more positives.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed on Friday the flight ban, which involved potential jail terms of up to six years for anybody who breached it, would lift on May 15.

There are 9000 Australians in India who have registered a desire to come home, with 900 considered vulnerable.

Only three flights are scheduled to the end of the month once the controversial bans are lifted but there is a chance of adding more, according to the Prime Minister.

Indian cricket authorities have offered to organise a special flight for the cricketers to get home when the ban lifts.

Hussey needs to record two negative test results before he can leave India.

Australian cricket has insisted the government-approved travel by players, staff and commentators has not come at any cost to other stranded Australians.