The second ODI between West Indies and Australia was called off after the toss had taken place after a non-playing member of the Windies set up testing positive.

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A statement released by the Windies Cricket Board stated that: “The second CG Insurance ODI between West Indies and Australia has been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test result from a non-playing member of the West Indies staff. This decision was taken after the toss at Kensington Oval once the result was known.”

A decision as to whether the match will be replayed or if the remaining the third match of the series will be able to take place has yet to be taken.

In line with Covid protocols, all players from both sides were instructed to return to their hotels where they would each take a PCR test. They will remain in isolation until a negative result is returned.

The return of a positive test was particularly disappointing for Australia quick Riley Meredith who had been presented his debut cap before play, only for the match to be called off shortly after.

Questions remain over the timing of the positive test coming to light, with the toss having already taken place and play minutes from starting. Had the game started, the scenario had the potential to become even more farcical as the match would have had to be called off having got underway.

It remains to be seen how the Australia camp will react to the positive case. Australia have been reluctant to tour over the last 12 months, cancelling a trip to South Africa and only agreeing to an upcoming Bangladesh tour on the basis of the strictest Covid protocols being put in place. Several Australian players have also pulled out of the Hundred due to the logistical challenges that Covid has presented.

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West Indies v AustraliaSeries Editorial