Hussey tests positive for Covid in India
Former Australian cricketer Michael ‘‘Mr Cricket’’ Hussey has tested positive for Covid-19 in India.
The 45-year-old has been working as a batting coach for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was postponed on Tuesday night after a Sunrisers Hyderabad team-mate of Kane Williamson – India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha – returned a positive test.
Media outlets in India report Hussey tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday, one day after his team’s bowling coach. Hussey’s manager Neil Maxwell has since confirmed the test result.
The Hindustan Times reports that an
IPL source told the Press Trust of India: ‘‘Hussey was tested and his sample came positive. We sent it for retesting but that has also come back positive.’’
Former Australian cricketer and commentator Michael Slater on Tuesday accused Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison of having ‘‘blood on his hands’’ after the federal government’s decision to legislate a fine of up to A$66,000 (NZ$71,000) and five years’ jail if Australians return home from India.
Flights between the two countries are banned until May 15.
However, a number of cricketers made their way home via Qatar ahead of the new rules being enforced.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday night, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association said it understood the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India to indefinitely postpone the IPL.
‘‘CA is in direct contact with the BCCI as they work through plans to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators back home to Australia,’’ the statement read.
‘‘CA and the ACA respect the decision of the Australian Government to pause travel from India until at least May 15 and will not seek exemptions,’’ the statement read.