Australian Spinner Ashton Agar becomes the second player to test COVID-19 positive in just 24 hours after wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. Agar has been ruled out of the entire three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Lahore and will remain in isolation for five days.
Meanwhile, team physiotherapist Brendan Wilson was also diagnosed with the virus, while all other players and staff returned negative tests.
Agar has played 15 ODIs and 43 T20Is for the nation since making his international debut in 2013. He is currently ranked no.9 in the ICC Men’s T20I bowling rankings. The 28-years-old has scalped 46 wickets at an impressive average of 21.15 so far.
Therefore, after this blow, a fresh setback leaves Australia with only 13 players for the opening ODI against Pakistan. The Australian team is already missing a pool of world-class talents for the Pakistan series, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson and Steve Smith.
Moreover, the men in yellow are planning to onboard two spinners in the opening ODI. Hence, it will open the door for Mitchell Swepson to make his ODI debut alongside Adam Zampa possibly. Meanwhile, All-rounder Mitch Marsh is recovering from a hip injury and is expected to remain on the sideline for 4-6 weeks.
Also, Matt Renshaw has been drafted to the squad as cover. He will join the camp after completing three-day isolation.
Australia will face Pakistan in a three-match ODI series starting March 29.