On Wednesday, New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell tested positive for Covid-19. He went through the rapid antigen test after waking up with symptoms on Wednesday (June 15) morning and has been placed in isolation. The rest of the squad will undergo tests as a result. He will remain in isolation for at least a week before re-joining the squad ahead of the final Test at Headingley, which is scheduled to be commencing on June 23.
New Zealand has not called up a replacement player at this stage. Michael Bracewell is the second member of New Zealand’s touring party to test positive for Covid-19, with skipper Kane Williamson missing the second Test at Trent Bridge after contracting the virus. Bracewell made his Test debut in Nottingham, posting knocks of 49 and 25 with the bat and taking three first-innings wickets, including dismissing England skipper Ben Stokes.
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In a statement confirming the same, New Zealand Cricket said, “Bracewell undertook a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) after waking up with symptoms. He will require five days of isolation before rejoining the group ahead of the final Test at Headingley in Leeds starting Thursday, June 23.”
An update from camp the morning after the second Test against England in Nottingham. #ENGvNZ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 15, 2022
Michael Bracewell had made his Test debut against England in the second Test and he returned with figures of 3/62 and 0/60 with his off-breaks, including taking the wicket of opposition skipper Ben Stokes in the first innings.
Confirming the same, NZC added, “The rest of the touring party will be tested today and will continue following the tour health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required. No replacement player is being sought at this stage.”
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Earlier, before the start of the Test series, batter Henry Nicholls, pacer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen had tested positive for Covid-19. The third and final Test of the series, where England has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead, will be played at Headingley.
