Travis Head Ruled Out of Fourth Ashes Test After Covid-19 Diagnosis

Strategic Insights -

Australian batsman Travis Head has been ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney after testing positive to Covid-19. The 28-year-old was due to fly from Melbourne to Sydney to take on England at the SCG on January 5. In a statement released on Friday morning, Cricket Australia said Head tested positive after a routine PCR test and has been asymptomatic. He will remain in isolation in Melbourne for seven days, per the Victorian Government's current health requirements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Travis Head, Australia's leading run-scorer in the Ashes, has been ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney after testing positive to Covid-19.
  • Head will remain in isolation in Melbourne for seven days, as per the Victorian Government's current health requirements.
  • The Australian squad, including their families and support staff, underwent PCR and RAT tests on Friday morning local time.
  • Usman Khawaja, who was beaten by Head for a spot in the Australia XI, could potentially replace him.
  • Selectors have also added Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson, and Josh Inglis to the squad as a precautionary measure.
  • England's humiliation in Melbourne is seen as a significant setback, with Australia taking an unassailable 3-0 series lead.

Statistics:

  • 28: the age of Travis Head
  • 248: Travis Head's total runs scored in the Ashes to date
  • 62: Travis Head's average in the Ashes to date
  • 3: Australia's unassailable series lead against England
  • 68: the score England collapsed to in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test
  • 5: the date on which Travis Head was due to fly to Sydney to take on England

Sources:

  • [PA Sport]
  • [Courier Mail]