Glenn McGrath cops cruel Covid blow ahead of pink Ashes Test
Aussie cricket legend Glenn McGrath is in danger of missing the traditional pink SCG Test after testing positive for Covid-19.
McGrath tested positive for the virus on Sunday, just three days before the start of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney.
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It is a cruel blow for the Aussie legend, with the Sydney Test turning pink every year to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.
McGrath set up the foundation after the death of wife Jane in 2008 from breast cancer.
The former fast bowler has helped turn Australia's year-opening Test into a fundraising drive to support those with breast cancer and pay tribute to his late wife.
There is hope that McGrath will return a negative test in time to attend day three of the Test, now known as Jane McGrath Day.
The 51-year-old said on Sunday that he is isolating at home and feels well.
The 563-Test wicket legend will have a virtual presence at the ground on Monday, when both sides are presented with their baggy pink caps.
However it would be a devastating blow if he was forced to miss the Test entirely.
"Glenn has had a PCR test which unfortunately returned a positive result," McGrath Foundation chief executive Holly Masters said.
"We wish Glenn and his family good health.
"We are grateful to our partners at Cricket Australia and the SCG.
"As well as the England cricket team and the broadcasters for their ongoing support for the Pink Test and look forward to still making this the 'pinkest' Ashes."
The McGrath Foundation funds nurses to help support those with breast cancer.
Terrible news for Glenn McGrath and the iconic pink Test after Covid positive result #Asheshttps://t.co/n9VWIYUjEn
— The Advertiser Sport (@TheTiserSport) January 2, 2022
What would the Pink Test be without Glenn McGrath, the man who has given so much in honour of his wife. A positive Covid test has put Pigeon’s attendance in jeopardy
— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) January 2, 2022
Glenn Mcgrath Tested positive for COVID-19.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, @glennmcgrath11 sir— Md Asiqul Islam 🇧🇩 (@MdAsiqulIslam6) January 2, 2022
Not Pidge. Urrgh that sucks so much for Glenn as we all know how much he enjoys the #pinktest #ashes& @McGrathFdn who won't have him there for another year. Get well soon @glennmcgrath11 hope it's only mild & Sara & the kids are okay. 😞
— Trevor Tye (@trevajct) January 2, 2022
Glenn McGrath will miss at least the first 2 days of the SCG Pink Ball Test as he has tested positive for #COVID19.
He is hopeful of making it to the 3rd day.#Ashes #Ashes2021— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 2, 2022
Get well soon @glennmcgrath11 💛#CricketAustralia #Australia #GlennMcgrath
— AUS TRENDS (@cricketaustrend) January 2, 2022
England rocked by Covid case at training session
Meanwhile, England's Ashes nightmare went from bad to worse on Sunday with a positive Covid case reportedly disrupting a training session.
The tourists were training at the SCG when a net bowler reportedly received word that he had tested positive.
It left England without any net bowlers because they were all deemed close contacts.
Bharat Sundaresan of CrizBuzz broke the news on Twitter, saying one the batters described the drama as a “shambles”.
England’s training session has been disrupted owing to one of the net bowlers at the SCG having reportedly tested positive for COVID. The others have been deemed as close contacts. So they’ll have to depend on their coaching staff. To quote one of their batters “Shambles” #Ashes pic.twitter.com/t7ASOtGp06
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 2, 2022
Aussie batter Travis Head is already out of the match after testing positive for Covid, as is match referee and former Aussie player David Boon.
England coach Chris Silverwood will also miss the Test after a family member tested positive.
with AAP
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