ENG vs NZ | New Zealand spinner Michael Bracewell tests positive for COVID-19

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday (June 15) morning after waking up with symptoms. Following that, Bracewell's result came positive in a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

Bracewell, who made his Test debut in the second Test at Trent Bridge, will now be isolated for five days before regrouping with the squad ahead of the third and final Test at Leeds, which starts on June 23. 

In their media release, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated that no replacement is being sorted for the player. 

On his Test match debut, Bracewell scored 49 and 25 runs and claimed three wickets against England, where the visitors got bashed courtesy of Jonny Bairstow's blitz.

The rest of the squad, including players and support staff members, will undergo testing and follow health protocols as laid out by the medical team. Regular testing will continue if need be.

The Blackcaps have already hit with blows as Kyle Jamieson and Cam Fletcher have already been ruled out of the Leeds Test. Jamieson suffered a stress reaction on his lower back while bowling on Day 3, while Fletcher injured his right hamstring while fielding on Day 4 of the second Test. Blair Tickner and Dane Cleaver have been named as their replacements.

Earlier, skipper Kane Williamson also tested positive for the virus, which forced the right-hander to sit out the Nottingham Test. Ahead of the first Test at Lord's, Tickner, Henry Nicholls and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen, too, tested positive for coronavirus.

England have already gained an unassailable 2-0 lead over ICC Test Champions New Zealand by thrillingly winning the first and second Tests. In contrast, the Williamson-led unit would fight for its pride at Leeds.