Cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus while doing commentary duties in the ongoing Ashes between Australia and England. The series is currently in its fourth Test match being played in Sydney with Australia leading the five match series 3-0.
The ongoing Ashes 2021-22 has already seen its share of COVID-19 positive cases after an outbreak in England camp saw members of support staff and family members testing positive during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. At the end of the Test match, it was reported that several members of the coaching staff including pace bowling Coach Jon Lewis, spin mentor Jeetan Patel, and strength and conditioning specialist Darren Veness.
Now Sir Ian Botham has tested positive for Covid while covering the Ashes 2021-22 for Channel 7 in Australia, confirmed his former England teammate David Gower, who is covering the series for BT Sports, Daily Mail UK reported.
Channel 7 have been hit by a Covid-19 outbreak that began the day of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG.
A member of the crew tested positive during routine testing and was asymptomatic and presenter Mel McLaughlin later revealed it was her, despite being double-vaccinated and boostered.
The 66-year-old Lord Botham and fellow pundit Ricky Pointing were forced to take PCR tests after McLaughlin tested positive and Seven had to change its broadcasting team at the eleventh hour.
At the time, Seven said: ‘Seven is activating its Covid measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff, as well as the broader community, and is working in line with all relevant guidelines and regulations. There have been a number of changes to today’s production schedule, which will be led by Alistair Nicholson, Andy Maher and Jason Richardson with expert comments from Lisa Sthalekar, Brad Hodge, Callum Ferguson, Michael Atherton and Dirk Nannes.’
Earlier, England head coach Chris Silverwood and Aussie middle-order batter Travis Head also tested positive for COVID-19. Head didn’t play the New Year’s Test and is currently isolating in Melbourne as per the guidelines of the Victorian government.
