New Delhi: New Zealand seam bowler Lockie Ferguson was placed under 24-hour isolation after he reported a sore throat at the end of  the first ODI against Australia in Sydney Cricket Ground, a report from New Zealand Herald said.

In a statement to the Kiwi newspaper, the New Zealand Cricket Board said: “In accordance with recommended health protocols, Lockie Ferguson has been placed in isolation at the team hotel for the next 24hrs after reporting a sore throat at the end of the first ODI.”

The first ODI of the 3-match series between the trans tasman rivals was placed amid empty stands at the Sydney Cricket Ground as the spectators were not allowed to be at SCG as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic. As per a statement from NZC, Ferguson was tested for coronavirus and will join the players only after he is cleared to do so.

Australia trounced New Zealand by 71 runs in the first one day international played at an empty Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. After New Zealand earlier restricted the hosts to 258 for seven, the Australian bowling attack turned around the match to bowl the Kiwis out for 187 in the 41st over. Cricket Australia barred spectators from the match in response to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to the strange sight of players acknowledging milestones to empty grandstands.