The Ashes: England head coach Chris Silverwood tests positive for Covid-19 while isolating with family | Cricket News

England head coach Chris Silverwood has tested positive for Covid-19 while
isolating with family in Melbourne; Silverwood was due to miss fourth Test anyway; will now return ahead of fifth Test in Hobart from January 14; England 3-0 down in five-match Ashes series

England head coach Chris Silverwood has tested positive for Covid-19 while isolating with family in Melbourne

England head coach Chris Silverwood has tested positive for Covid-19 while
isolating with family in Melbourne.

Silverwood was already due to miss the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney having entered quarantine when one of his family was caught up in the initial coronavirus outbreak in the touring camp.

Assistant coach Graham Thorpe will lead the side in Silverwood’s absence as England look to chalk up their first win of the series, with Australia having taken an unassailable 3-0 lead and retained the Ashes following an innings win at the MCG.

Silverwood, 46, is set to re-join the England team in time for the fifth and final Test in Hobart from January 14.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: “England men’s head coach Chris Silverwood has tested positive for Covid-19.

“Silverwood has been isolating in Melbourne since December 30 following a positive test from one of his family members. He will remain in isolation until January 8. Silverwood is asymptomatic and is fully vaccinated.

“He is expected to return to the England party in Hobart ahead of the fifth Ashes Test.”