Covid bowls out England ODI squad
ENGLAND are being forced to name an entirely new squad for the one-day international series against Pakistan that starts tomorrow.
That’s after a Covid outbreak in the camp that has hit three players and four backroom staff. It means the whole operation has to isolate for the next ten days.
Ben Stokes was not in the original squad after suffering a finger injury — but he is coming in to captain the team. The series kicks off in Cardiff with a game at Lord’s on Saturday and Edgbaston three days later.
There are also three Twenty20 matches from July 16-20.
Tom Harrison, ECB chief executive officer, said: ‘‘We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak.
“We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in restricted conditions.
“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.
“We also recognise the impact this news will have on our first class counties and their men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic.’’
Chris Silverwood was meant to be taking a break from coaching the side but will now return because he was outside the bubble and doesn’t need to isolate.
Pakistan have been in isolation since arriving in the UK last month.