Australia vs West Indies 2nd Test: Andrew McDonald And Cameron Green Test Positive For COVID-19

Australia and West Indies are set to play their second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on January 25, but Australia have faced some COVID-19 challenges leading up to the match.

Australian cricket team Head coach Andrew McDonald and all-rounder Cameron Green have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Australia's second and final Test match against West Indies. Following the first Australia vs West Indies Test at Adelaide Oval, batter Travis Head also contracted the virus but tested negative on January 23 (Tuesday). Head participated in the training session on Wednesday as per cricket.com.au and is now available to play in the second Test against West Indies, scheduled to commence on January 25 (Thursday).

At present, McDonald and Green are isolated from the rest of the team and will rejoin the squad once they return with negative COVID-19 test results. According to Cricket Australia protocols, Cameron Green will be eligible to participate in the Test even if he does not return with a negative COVID-19 result within the next 24 hours. The Gabba also has a spare change room, previously utilised during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring additional facilities in case of any health-related precautions or measures needed.

Australia Will Stick To An Unchanged XI

According to Australian team vice captain, Steve Smith, there are no physical concerns, and Green, along with coach Andrew McDonald, is doing well. Smith confirmed that Australia will stick with an unchanged XI for the upcoming Test match despite Green's situation.

‘He's fine. No physical drama at all – just tested positive. Him and Andrew McDonald are both fine," said Steve Smith as quoted by cricket.com.au.

Australia currently hold a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, having won the first match in Adelaide by 10 wickets. The upcoming Test at the Gabba will be a day-night fixture.

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc

West Indies Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie