Travis Head tests positive for COVID-19, casts shadow on Brisbane Test

The dynamic batsman, who clinched the Player of the Match award for his crucial century in Adelaide, is now facing the prospect of participating in the upcoming Brisbane Test under team isolation protocols.

Cricket Australia has officially confirmed that Head’s arrival in Brisbane will be delayed until Tuesday morning to allow him additional time for recovery. The team, currently gearing up for the day/night Test at the Gabba, is set to convene on Tuesday, with their main training session scheduled for 5 pm.

Head fell ill after the Adelaide Test, prompting the COVID-19 test that revealed his positive status. Despite the setback, Head remains optimistic about joining the team, and his delayed arrival is a precautionary measure to ensure he tests negative before integration.

In the event that Travis Head continues to test positive, he is expected to follow the isolation protocols previously demonstrated by teammate Matt Renshaw during last year’s SCG Test against South Africa.

Renshaw, despite testing positive just before the match, was allowed to play but spent the game isolated in a separate room when off the field.

Similar measures were also implemented during the Commonwealth Games women’s cricket final in Birmingham in August 2022 when Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath played in the gold medal match despite testing positive beforehand.

“I think it was handled extremely well from Cricket Australia’s point of view, in terms of having protocols in place and making sure everyone in the team was comfortable that she was playing,” remarked Beth Mooney on McGrath’s situation during the Commonwealth Games final. “They did all the right things. Our medical staff did all the right things in making sure we were keeping everyone safe.”