Ashes 2021-22: Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley tests positive for COVID-19

Australia and England are currently battling it out in the Ashes series. The hosts have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. However, the series has been affected by COVID-19 as several playing and non-playing members have tested positive for the virus.

Ahead of the start of the fourth Test match in Sydney on Wednesday, January 05, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia Nick Hockley has also tested positive for COVID-19. Notably, Hockley is fully vaccinated.

As per CA, he did not come in close contact with the national team or other teams. Hockley also followed all the COVID-19 norms and regulations. Going by the New South Wales government rules, he is currently in isolation. Meanwhile, the CA CEO’s family members have returned negative for the virus.

“After experiencing mild symptoms, I immediately got a PCR test which has since returned a positive result,” Hockley said in a statement, Stuff reported.

In recent times, there have been a spike in cases for COVID-19 in Australia. Travis Head and England head coach Chris Silverwood were the other two members, who have tested positive for the deadly virus. Head is currently in Melbourne along with his partner as per the rules and norms of the Victorian government. The southpaw won’t play the fourth Test match in Sydney.

Hockley spoke about taking the importance of double vaccination and also taking good care of one another during these tough COVID-19 times.

“Over recent days, we have seen cases in relation to the Australian men’s Ashes team and some of the BBL teams,” he stated.

“It is a reminder of the complexity Covid-19 presents for major sporting events and the importance of being vaccinated, getting a booster as soon as possible, and getting tested as soon as symptoms present themselves,” Hockley added.

Despite multiple cases being reported, the fourth Ashes Test is set to go ahead at planned.