Mel McLaughlin revealed as Channel 7's Covid case from third Test
Mel McLaughlin has revealed herself as the member of Channel 7's cricket coverage who tested positive for Covid-19 during the third Ashes Test.
Channel 7 revealed on December 27 that a member of their Ashes cricket coverage had tested positive, forcing a number of commentators to isolate until they received a negative result.
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The network was forced to utilise its second-string commentary team on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test as a result.
“Seven is activating its COVID measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff, as well as the broader community, and is working in line with all relevant guidelines and regulations," a statement said.
“There have been a number of changes to today’s production schedule, which will be led by Alistair Nicholson, Andy Maher and Jason Richardson with expert comments from Lisa Sthalekar, Brad Hodge, Callum Ferguson, Michael Atherton and Dirk Nannes.
“Seven’s number one priority is the health, safety and welfare of all staff and the community.”
McLaughlin has since revealed that she was the mystery member of the commentary team who tested positive, saying she was "shocked" when receiving the diagnosis.
“I was diagnosed on the 26th,” she told News Corp.
“I am double-vaxxed, I’d had the booster shot, I was producing negative daily rapid tests and then on Boxing Day night my PCR test was positive and my dream gig of hosting the Boxing Day Test was over.”
The 42-year said she was sick for a couple of days, with symptoms including a “runny nose” and “chills”.
Travis Head out of fourth Ashes Test with Covid-19
Meanwhile, Travis Head's Covid-19 diagnosis, resulting in further Ashes disruption and much anxiousness at Cricket Australia ahead of the fourth Test that begins on January 5, has put Usman Khawaja on the cusp of a call-up.
Australia's selectors drafted Mitch Marsh, Nic Maddinson and would-be debutant Josh Inglis into an enlarged squad on Friday, fearing further coronavirus cases could emerge in coming days.
Opener Marcus Harris stayed behind in Melbourne as a precaution after he had dinner with Head on Wednesday, but has since tested negative.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey and head coach Justin Langer may look to the future when settling on their XI.
However, if that transpires then Khawaja would have every right to feel aggrieved given he has served as a reserve batsman in the squad throughout summer.
The potential for further positive cases among Australia's players, families and support staff looms large after everyone in the touring party underwent PCR and RAT tests on Friday morning.
CA is determined to press on with this summer's schedule as planned despite a backdrop of cases in both squads, and over 22,000 cases of Covid-19 reported by NSW Health on New Year's Day.
Head, who was man of the match in the hosts' series-opening win at the Gabba, is asymptomatic but will spend seven days isolating in Melbourne with his partner.
The South Australian should be available for the series finale in Hobart, which begins on January 14.
Australia and England were set to travel together to Sydney but a late change to arrangements meant they boarded separate charter flights.
England's touring party reported no new COVID-19 cases on Friday, meaning their outbreak is still limited to three support staff and four family members.
with AAP
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