Green, McDonald catch COVID-19 as Head tests negative

Allrounder Cameron Green and coach Andrew McDonald are the latest members of Australia's squad to test positive to COVID-19.

Batter Travis Head contracted the virus after the first Test against West Indies in Adelaide but tested negative on Tuesday after flying to Brisbane on his own ahead of the second match of the series at the Gabba.

Head joined the squad for training on Wednesday afternoon and is free to take part in the Test that starts on Thursday without any restrictions.

In line with Cricket Australia protocols, Green and McDonald will be able to play their part in the Test even if they do not return negative results in the next 24 hours.

There is a dedicated change room at the Gabba which has been used in the past when COVID was at its prime. When the duo are sitting in and around open areas they will be separated from the group, until they return a negative test.

Travis Head.
Travis Head will face West Indies without any restrictions after returning a negative COVID-19 test.

The Australians have a business-as-usual approach to the health hiccups with opener Steve Smith adamant Green will fulfil his normal role.

"He is fine. There is no physical drama at all. He’s just tested positive (but) him and Andrew McDonald are fine," Smith said.

Smith quipped that it could be "a lonely week" for Green but said his ailment would not impact the slip cordon in the field.

"Greeny is in the gully anyway so he is away from us," Smith joked.

Australia lead the two-Test series 1-0 after winning the first match in Adelaide by 10 wickets.

The Test at the Gabba is a day-night affair with Australia captain Pat Cummins saying the hosts' familiarity with utilising the pink ball could work to their advantage.

"No doubt playing a pink-ball Test almost every year and some Shield cricket over the years with the pink ball helps us familiarise ourselves ... perhaps better than oppositions can, just by experience," he said.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store