Pak vs Eng: England to announce new squad after 7 test positive for coronavirus

Pak vs Eng: After seven players tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, England will announce a new team for the upcoming ODI series with Pakistan.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that four players and four support staff members tested positive for coronavirus.

Ben Stokes will be the team’s leader, and most players will go into isolation.

England faces Pakistan in the first ODI at Cardiff on Thursday, 7 July 8.

Eoin Morgan, England’s skipper, had previously said that it was too early to consider Stokes being a member of the playing XI. An injury to his finger meant that the all-rounder was unable to play for several weeks.

Later Tuesday, the rest of the new Pakistani team will be announced.

“We are prepared for this moment and aware that the emergence or modification of the Delta virus, together with our decision to abandon strict enforcement of biosecure environments could increase the likelihood of an outbreak,” stated Tom Harrison, Chief Executive of the ECB.

“We made the strategic decision to adopt protocols to support the overall well-being of our players, and management staff, who spent much of the time living in extremely restricted conditions.

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“Overnight, we worked quickly to identify a new squad and we are grateful for Ben Stokes who will be returning to England duties as captain.

“We also recognize that this news will have an impact on our first-class countries and their men’s playing squads. We thank them along with our partners Sky, Royal London for their continued support in dealing with this pandemic.”

The Royal London ODI Series

1st ODI: Pak vs Eng, Thursday, 8 July 2021 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.

2nd ODI: Pak vs Eng, Saturday 10th July 2021 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

3rd ODI: England against Pakistan, Tuesday 13th July 2021 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The Pakistan team reached England for a T20I/ODI series. They had been in isolation in Derby since then when they began their training.

Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, had stated that the England series would help the team prepare for the World Cup. He also warned that England was not an easy opponent.

Skipper Azam stated that Pakistan’s performance on previous tours was good. However, he cautioned against complacency.

“The English team won’t be an easy opponent at home. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the World Cup.