Matt Renshaw set to bat on Day 2 despite testing COVID-19 positive
Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey train in the nets ahead of SCG Test
Opener Matthew Renshaw is expected to bat for Australia on Day 2 of the Sydney Test against South Africa after testing positive for coronavirus ahead of the toss today.
Renshaw, on the back of phenomenal domestic performances, returns to red-ball cricket after five long years.
As reported in The Age, Renshaw, 26, was isolated from the Australian team on Day 1 and was seated in a COVID-19 isolation room under the Noble Stand.
He was seen watching the match on TV and moving along the sidelines of the playing field.
According to new Cricket Australia protocols, a COVID-19 positive player can feature in a match while staying away from the team. This is a stark difference from the earlier policy, where Renshaw would have isolated himself for quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.
If need be, Peter Handscomb, who is on standby, could replace Renshaw in the third and final Test as per ICC guidelines, much like a concussion substitute.
The Middlesex-born complained of fever ahead of the start of play, after which a rapid antigen test done by the team doctor confirmed the worst.
Talking about the Test, a rain-truncated Day 1 witnessed Australia pile 147 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets in 47 overs. Usman Khawaja (54*) and Steven Smith (0*) will resume batting tomorrow, with play starting early.
Also Read: AUS vs SA: Usman Khawaja completes 4,000 Test runs
 "Vishal Mehra")
