Victoria allrounder Will Sutherland ‘returned a test result which requires further analysis’
Confirmation arrived less than an hour before the toss was due to take place with the Victoria team now isolating while further investigations take place.
“In the course of routine Covid-19 testing, Will Sutherland has returned a test result which requires further analysis,” a Cricket Australia statement said. “The Victorian team is currently self-isolating while this analysis and investigation takes place. Cricket Australia will provide further updates in due course.”
This would be the first positive Covid case within the professional game in Australia and comes as the country moves towards living with the virus with vaccination rates increasing.
Earlier this season the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Tasmania in Brisbane was called off on the morning of the game after community cases in the city promoted Tasmania to return home in case the border was closed.
This was to be the third meeting between the sides this season with the states restricted to playing themselves due to border restrictions.