Australia Bowler Kane Richardson Tested For COVID-19

Australia cricketer who returned from South Africa with the ODI squad this week has been quarantined as a precaution after developing a mild sore throat. Read below to know more.

Kane Richardson, a fast bowler from Australia, has been quarantined and screened for the new coronavirus, officials said on Friday, as the first one-day international against New Zealand kicked off in an empty stadium. Richardson, who returned with the ODI squad this week from South Africa was isolated and screened as a precaution after he developed a slight sore throat.

Fans have already been banned from the Sydney game to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has shut down a swathe of sporting activities like the Australian Grand Prix this week.

A spokesperson gave out a statement in which he said, Our medical staff are treating this as a typical throat infection but we are following Australian government protocols that require us to keep Kane away from other members of the squad and perform the appropriate tests given he has returned from international travel in the last 14 days.”

He further added, “Once we receive the results of the tests and Kane recovers in the next few days we expect he will re-join the team.”

Talking about the match between Australia and New Zealand, the Kangaroo skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and asked the Kiwis to bowl first at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With Kane Richardson out of the squad, the Aussies are playing with two pacers- Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis have chosen to go with spin options. They have opted for Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner to take advantage of the spin-friendly pitch of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).