New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has tested positive for Covid-19, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced at their official website on Wednesday.
“Bracewell undertook a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) after waking up with symptoms. He will require five days of isolation before rejoining the group ahead of the final Test at Headingley in Leeds starting Thursday June 23,” said NZC.
“The rest of the touring party will be tested today and will continue following the tour health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required. No replacement player is being sought at this stage,” the NZC statement added.
Notably, Bracewell had made his debut in the longest format of the game against hosts England in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series at Trent Bridge. He scored 49 and 25 in the two innings and returned with figures of 3/62 and 0/60.
The all-rounder, who had made his debut in international cricket this year in the ODI series against the Netherlands at home, became the second member of the Kiwi touring party to test positive for Covid-19 in the series.
Earlier, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was forced to miss the second Test at Trent Bridge Test after contracting the virus on the eve of the match.
Prior to New Zealand’s tour match against Sussex in Brighton before the start of the Test series, batter Henry Nicholls, pacer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen had tested positive for Covid-19.
The third and final Test of the series, where hosts England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead, will begin at Headingley from June 23.