Cricket News

'West Indies waalo ne protest nahi kiya?'- Fans react as Cameron Green included in Playing XI for 2nd Test against West Indies despite having COVID-19

Cameron Green will be required to maintain a distance from his teammates and will not be able to share any physical contact with them throughout the game.

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Sarah Andrew
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Camron Green can be seen standing at a distance form his teammates during the National Anthem

Camron Green can be seen standing at a distance form his teammates during the National Anthem.

Australia's second Test against the West Indies at the Gabba took an unexpected turn right at the start, with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green named in the playing XI despite testing positive for Covid-19. His inclusion raises questions about the risks and rewards involved in this unprecedented situation.

Green's positive test, along with Travis Head and coach Andrew McDonald's, sent shockwaves through the Australian camp. It is understood that Head has since, recovered and returned a negative test. However, that is not the case with Green. Cricket Australia,Β following strict biosecurity protocols, deemed Green fit to play if he maintained complete isolation from his teammates. This includes separate eating arrangements, socially distanced travel, and no physical contact on the field.Β 

The decision to include Green is a gamble, balancing his undeniable talent with the potential for further spread within the team. His batting and bowling prowess are crucial for Australia's hopes of securing the series, but any breach of biosecurity protocols could have dire consequences.

A similar incident took place just yesterday, in the Final of the Big Bash League. Sydney Sixers' all-rounder, Moises Henriques took to the field despite testing positive for Covid-19 just hours before the match. In a controversial decision, Henriques, asymptomatic at the time, was allowed to play under strict biosecurity measures and even engage in celebratory fistbumps and high fives after taking a wicket. However, he was not allowed to speak at the presentation ceremony.

West Indies hand Test cap to Kevin Sinclair

The West Indies unveiled a fresh face in 24-year-old Kevin Sinclair. The Guyanese off-spinner earned his maiden Test cap, replacing Gudakesh Motie in the lone bowling change for the visitors. Sinclair, already boasting experience in seven ODIs and six T20Is for the West Indies, was welcomed to the longest format with a chance to etch his name in cricketing history. His arrival brought a flicker of excitement to the Gabba turf, offering the Windies a new spin weapon against the formidable Australian batting lineup.

Meanwhile, the Aussies, perhaps wary of tinkering with a winning formula, chose to stick with the same eleven that trounced them in the first Test.

Here's a look at how 'X-verse' reacted to the development:

Cameron Green AUSvsWI