Curran tested for Covid-19 after falling ill
● All-rounder will take no further part in warm-up match ahead of West Indies Tests
England all-rounder Sam Curran is awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test after being placed in self-isolation at the Ageas Bowl, casting a shadow over the second day of the intrasquad clash.
Curran batted on the first evening in Southampton, making 15 not out from 25 balls, but experienced sickness and diarrhea during the night. In line with strict medical protocols he has remained in his room at the on-site hotel and played no part in Thursday’s play.
Ordinarily the left-armer would have been expected to feature with the ball but his conspicuous absence from the field was explained midway through the final session.
“Sam Curran has had sickness and diarrhea overnight. He is feeling better this afternoon, and has been self-isolating,” read a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
“He will play no further part in the practice match. He has been monitored by the team doctor throughout and was tested for Covid-19.”
A 30-strong training group has been living, training and sleeping at Hampshire’s ground since 23 June, dropping to 29 when father-to-be Joe Root departed earlier this week. All players and backroom have been receiving twice-weekly Covid-19 tests ahead of the first Test against the West Indies, starting on Wednesday, with regular screening for venue workers.
The ECB’S first set of reported results yielded an all-clear of 702 negative tests. An exhaustive set of precautions are being taken at both the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford to establish bio-secure environments, but there will be an understandable feeling of concern until Curran’s latest result comes back.
On the pitch, the battle for bowling places intensified as Jos Buttler’s team, who declared on their day one score of 287 for five, left Ben Stokes’ side 233 all out just before stumps.
Buttler’s team featured Jofra Archer and Mark Wood together for the first time and, midway through the morning session, they teamed up for a promising eight-over spell that cost only seven runs and yielded the wicket of opener Dom Sibley for 12.
Wood returned in the afternoon session to take Jonny Bairstow’s outside edge with the first ball of his second spell and finished with figures of one for 14 from 11 overs, while Archer returned two for 37 after adding Ben Foakes for 38.
Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson also offered a reminder of his skills, bowling with precision as he accounted for Moeen Ali and Lewis Gregory in a double-wicket maiden.
Moeen’s hopes of a first Test in a year seem to be receding with Dom Bess well placed to keep his place. He bowled more tightly than either Moeen or Jack Leach and took a wicket when he had Keaton Jennings caught at slip.
Zak Crawley top-scored with 43 before he nicked Chris Woakes, while Stokes made his way to 41 before he was stumped charging Matt Parkinson.