Head tests Covid-positive, three players join Australian squad

The left-hander is asymptomatic, and will remain in Melbourne, isolating with his partner for seven days as per government health requirements in the state of Victoria.

With Head unavailable for selection for the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney, Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have joined the Australian squad as additional cover. The remainder of the Australian squad, families and support staff underwent PCR and RAT testing this morning, as the two teams travel separately as planned today ahead of the match on January 5.

In a statement from Cricket Australia, Head is expected to return for the fifth Test in Hobart.

“As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily. Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive Covid-19 result earlier today. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage. We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth Vodafone men’s Ashes Test in Hobart.

“We are grateful to our exceptional medical staff for all the work they have done throughout this series and we will continue to work with and support the players, their families and staff from both teams.”

Head joins Chris Silverwood as absentees for the fourth Test, with England's coach beginning his isolation yesterday as a close contact.