According to the New Zealand Cricket, all-rounder Michael Bracewell turned a positive Covid test on June 19, a day after the conclusion of the second England-New Zealand Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, which the hosts won by five wickets. The 31-year-old will now undergo five-day isolation.
Bracewell took a Rapid Antigen Test after waking to symptoms on Wednesday morning.
“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,”
the NZC statement read.
The player registered scores of 49 and 25 on his Test debut, and bagged 3/62 with his right-arm off breaks in England’s first innings effort of 539, including the priced scalp of Ben Stokes.
He was taken for 60 off his eight overs in the second dig, as Jonny Bairstow (136 off 92) and Ben Stokes (75* off 70) helped the hosts gun down a 299 run target in just 50 overs on the final day.
Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson, had earlier been tested positive for coronavirus and missed the second Test, with Tom Latham taking over as captain. No replacement player has been named for Bracewell as of now.
“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,”
the release added.
The third Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds from June 23. England currently lead the series 2-0, having earlier won the first Test at Lord’s by five wickets.
