New Zealand's star batter Devon Conway has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the third and the final Test against Australia which will be played at Headingley from June 23 to 27 as he has already begun the five days of isolation. Conway undertook a PCR test on arrival in London on Wednesday evening in preparation for a team activity.
The news came after team's all-rounder Michael Bracewell and support staff personnel Vijay Vallabh (physio) and Chris Donaldson (strength & conditioning) as members of the tour party tested positive on Wednesday.
"Conway undertook a PCR test on arrival in London on Wednesday evening in preparation for a team activity. He joins all-rounder Michael Bracewell and support staff personnel Vijay Vallabh (physio) and Chris Donaldson (strength & conditioning) as members of the tour party to have tested positive on Wednesday," New Zealand Cricket said in its official release.
"The three will travel separately from the team to Leeds on Sunday and providing they recover as expected will be able to join the team for training at Headingley on Tuesday, ahead of Thursday's final Test," the statement added.
The rest of the touring party have returned negative results and will continue following the tour health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required.
As of now, no replacements have been named at this stage.
The longer break until the third and final test, with New Zealand 2-0 down in the series, will at least give Conway and Bracewell a chance to recover.
The latter is unlikely to play after making his debut in the five-wicket defeat in Nottingham, with captain Kane Williamson now cleared to rejoin the squad after he was a late withdrawal at Trent Bridge when he tested positive for Covid on match eve.
England beat New Zealand in the first two Tests at Lord's and Trent Bridge and have sealed the series, but there are important World Test Championship points to be played for in the third and final match of the series.
