Dec 28, 2021: Health Minister for state of New South Wales Brad Hazzard said on Tuesday that the state’s COVID-19 contact tracing and detection rules did not pose a threat to the fourth Ashes test in Sydney.

Uncertainty persisted in the third Test in Melbourne on Monday when two members of the England support staff and two members of their family were left in isolation after a positive test.

The boxing day test in Melbourne, which Australia wrapped up on Tuesday with an innings and 14-run win, went ahead after the players returned negative PCR tests.

More than 6,000 new cases were recorded in New South Wales on Monday alone and close contacts need to be isolated for a week, but Hazzard said NSW Health should work with Victorian health authorities to handle any cases so that the next Ashes Test can go ahead.

“The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test is sacred, it is a milestone in the beginning of the third year of our lives with COVID-19,” Hazzard said. “I want to reassure the cricket-loving people that under our rules, any player who is facing a well-known case of COVID-19 will be asked to test and isolate only until a negative result is reached.”

“If there are any cases within the teams, their support staff, or families, we will work with the people involved to ensure they are safe, and there is as little disruption to others as possible.”

The Ashes which represent the oldest cricketing rivalry in the history of the game, commenced on the 8th of December this year and has so far been dominated by the host team. The fourth test will be played from Jan. 5-9 at the SCG, with Australia having retained the Ashes after winning the first three games.

Stay tuned to BaaghiTV for latest news and Updates!

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat after Hindutva calls for Muslim genocide