England wicketkeeper tests positive for Covid, availability for India Test in doubt

Just a day after Indian captain Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19, English wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes has also tested positive for the virus, ruling him out of the ongoing Headingley Test against New Zealand. His availability for the rescheduled 5th Test against India also remains in doubt.

Foakes, who was unable to take the field due to a stiff back on day three of the Test match, tested positive for Covid in the evening after taking a Lateral flow Test.

In a statement, England and Wales Cricket Board said, "Details of his return to the England set-up will be announced in due course. However, it is hoped he will be fit for the Test against India starting next Friday at Edgbaston."

Kent wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has been drafted into the playing XI as a COVID replacement.

The 5th Test between India and England was cancelled due to a Covid outbreak in the Indian camp last year. They will now play their rescheduled Test from July 1.

Also read: India tour of England: Virat Kohli slams a half-century as warm-up game ends in a draw