The second ODI between West Indies and Australia in Barbados was suspended after a positive Covid-19 case was confirmed in the hosts’ camp moments before the first ball was to be bowled. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the development: ‘The second ODI between West Indies and Australia has been postponed due to a positive Covid-19 test result from a non-playing member of the West Indies team.’
Further, CWI announced all players will be retested on 23 July in accordance with the Covid-19 protocols. Both teams will now be placed in managed isolation and the revised date will be decided once the test results are known.
The situation began to unfold shortly after Alex Carey won the toss and opted to bat. Riley Meredith had been set to make his ODI debut, replacing Wes Agar. West Indies, too, had been boosted by Shai Hope’s return; Hope had missed the opening match due to an ankle injury.
Australia’s next assignments are in jeopardy after the postponement. Following the final ODI against West Indies, on 24 July, they are scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series, which will commence 3 August.
Announced Playing XIs for the second ODI
West Indies: Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh Jr, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell.
Australia: Alex Carey (c & wk), Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh, Moises Henriques Ashton Turner, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Brief scores: Australia won the toss against West Indies and opted to bat. Match suspended due to Covid-19 scare.