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The second ODI between West Indies and Ireland on Tuesday (January 11) was postponed after Covid-19 outbreak in Ireland camp. Two Irish players and a support staff member tested positive for the virus which led to the postponement of the second ODI between the two nations. Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Cricket Ireland (CI) unanimously agreed to postpone the ODI and have held further discussions regarding the remaining tour.
As per reports, Irish captain Andrew Balbine, wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker and interim head coach David Ripley have contracted the virus. The trio, as per current guidelines has been asked to self-isolate until their reports result negative. This is not the first time that Ireland have been hit by Covid-19 outbreak. Ben White and Simi Singh also had to sit out of the first ODI having tested positive for Covid-19.
Series in limbo
According to reports, the two boards are in further conversation on the future of the series. The series comprises of three ODIs and a solitary T20I all scheduled to be played at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. The decision will be made in consideration to the players' opinion and medical staff as health remains a priority for both the boards.
West Indies won the first ODI convincingly as Shamarh Brooks (93) and Kieron Pollard (69) performed well while batting first. While chasing 270, Ireland showed good resilience but ultimately fell short of the target by 24 runs. Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd both picked up three wickets each.
The third ODI is scheduled to be played on Friday (January 14) followed by the only T20I on Sunday (January 16). The extent of the series will now depend on the decisions of the board, expected to be made in two days. Recently, the Netherlands postponed their tour to South Africa, after the outbreak of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19.
