'Even If He's Still Covid-19 +...' - Cummins On Travis Head's Availability In Brisbane Test
Travis Head [AP Photos]
Australian skipper Pat Cummins backed his middle-order maverick Travis Head to be fit and fine for the second Test against the West Indies, starting Thursday (January 25) in Brisbane. Head, who produced a match-winning hundred in Adelaide, is currently recuperating from a Covid-19 bout.
The extravagant left-hander had contracted the virus after the Test match and didn't immediately travel to Queensland with his teammates. However, Cummins confirmed Head has been making a speedy recovery and is "almost out" of the viral threat, raising hopes of him playing at the Gabba.
Resting his body out over the past few days, Head could resume training on Tuesday (January 23) as Australia strive to continue their dominant home summer and finish with another series whitewash over the Calypso Kings.
Cummins Backs Head To Play At The Gabba
"I think he's almost out of it. He'll be fine, he'll train tonight. Obviously, even if he is still positive he can still play, there might just be a few protocols," Cummins told reporters at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.
As per the relaxed set of Covid-19 regulations established by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket Australia (CA) since the pandemic reached its heels, Head can be allowed to play at the Gabba even if he doesn't return a negative test in the lead-up to the five-day fixture.
If positive, he will be allowed to play but must follow the guidelines issued by the ICC on Covid-19 safety protocols, including maintaining social distancing on and off the field. The player must also sit separately from the rest of the players inside the dressing room and can't take part in the team celebrations to avoid any physical contact.
The latest COVID bout is Head's second instance dealing with the viral disease since the 2021-22 Ashes series, when he had to miss the New Year's Test at the height of the pandemic.
 "Kashish Chadha")
