ENG vs PAK: 3 players and 4 support staff of English team testCorona positive, Ben Stokes appointed captain

Colombo, 6/7(AO Bureau):The Enlish cricket team has suffered a major setback. Two days before the ODI series against Pakistan (England vs Pakistan), three players and four support staff of the team have been found to be Corona positive. In such a situation, all the players have been sent to isolation. The ODI series is to start from July 8. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said that the series will be held according to the schedule. Ben Stokes has returned to the team. He has been given the command for both ODI and T20 series.

The ECB said in a statement, ‘The players who have been affected by Corona will remain in self-isolation from July 4 as per the protocol. Other players of the team have also been close to him. In such a situation, they will also be in isolation. However, the English Board said that the schedule will not change. Ben Stokes is returning to the team and he is being made the captain. On the tour, the Pakistan team has to play a series of three ODIs and three T20 matches.

Players in bio bubble since 14 months

Tom Harrison, chief executive of the ECB, said, “We have to note that the risk has increased after the relaxation of the bio bubble with the introduction of the delta variant. We have made a rule of protocol for the betterment of the players and support staff.’ He said that everyone has supported in limited circumstances in the last 14 months. We are preparing to form another team for the series.

New team will be announced

The England and Wales Cricket Board will announce the new team for the series. Ben Stokes has already been made the captain of the T20 and ODI team. The ODI matches are to be held on July 8, 10 and 13. At the same time, T20 matches will be played on July 16, 18 and 20. Recently, Sri Lanka’s team has returned after playing T20 and ODI series. The 5-match Test series between India and England is to start from August 4.