The Super 12 Men's T20 World Cup hosts and defending champions Australia have been dealt a devastating blow with wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade testing positive for Covid-19 on the eve of their must-win Group 1 match against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
According to a report by cricket.com.au, when the 34-year-old Wade's test result came back positive on Wednesday night, he became the second Australian player to get the virus after leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
According to the source, Wade "is said to be only experiencing minor symptoms and, unless his illness worsens, is still likely to feature in Friday's high-stakes encounter against England at the MCG."
As backup wicketkeeper Josh Inglis was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a freak hand injury and was replaced by Cameron Green in the 15-man squad, Australia captain Aaron Finch had previously predicted veteran opener David Warner would likely fill in behind the stumps should Wade be absent.
Finch himself has kept wickets during the BBL level as a stand-in option, incidentally. In preparation for their match against England, Australia practised at Junction Oval, where all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was spotted putting on his wicketkeeping gear and working on exercises with assistant coach and former first-grade gloveman Andre Borovec.
According to the article, Australia is optimistic that Wade will be healthy enough to play in Friday's game at the MCG, but they are concerned about preventing the illness from spreading among the team because Zampa missed Tuesday's game at Perth, where Australia defeated Sri Lanka.
T20 World Cup rules allow players who have tested positive to continue competing in the competition. Wade won't be permitted to use the team restroom either before or during the game and must travel to the field apart from the rest of the team.
On the other side, Zampa might be able to play in Friday's vital game. The report's conclusion said, "Zampa, meanwhile, has returned several negative tests in recent days and was bowling in the nets at the Junction on Thursday in a strong hint he will be right to take his place in Australia's XI.