New Delhi: The New Zealand team is on a tour of England these days. The first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s will begin on June 2. Big news has come out before this tour. COVID cases have been reported in the New Zealand team. Three members of the team have been ruled out of the opening tour match. According to information, the trio of all-rounder Henry Nicholls, bowler Blair Tickner and coach Shane Jorgensen tested positive on Friday morning ahead of the first day’s game against Sussex in England. These members have started a mandatory five-day isolation in their respective hotel rooms.
Henry Nicholls battling injury
Left-handed batsman Henry Nicholls was expected to be ruled out of the match after a training camp injury. The middle-order batsman is in rehab to be fit for selection for the first Test. It is also being said that there is no possibility of recovery in the isolation period of five days. Medium pacer Blair Tickner is yet to make his Test debut. Although the 28-year-old player has made his ODI debut. He has played 8 T20 Internationals for his country. Bowling coach Jurgensen has been an integral part of the Black Caps setup since 2016.
All remaining players test negative
According to an official statement, all the remaining players in the team have tested negative. The second warm-up match against a select County XI is set to take place later this month at the County Ground in Chelmsford. The defending World Test champions will play a three-Test series against England at Lord’s from June 2. This will be followed by matches at Trent Bridge and Headingley. The Black Caps will remain in Europe after the Test series. After England, a white ball tour is proposed in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
first published:May 20, 2022, 4:56 pm