Australian T20 captain Mitch Marsh may have to shout instructions to his teammates in the opening T20 against the West Indies in Hobart after testing positive to Covid on the eve of Friday’s clash.
Marsh has been given the green light to take his place but will use a separate dressing room area to the side during the match and stay distanced while on the field, in keeping with Cricket Australia protocols.
Watch Australia v West Indies on Kayo Sports. Every Test, ODI and T20I Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
It’s the third such instance in recent matches, with both Josh Inglis and Cameron Green also taking their place in Australian sides despite Covid positives.
Both were kept away from their teammates at the national anthems, and Green was even shooed away from wicket celebrations during the Test match at the Gabba against the Windies due to his Covid positive.
Ponting backs JFM for AUS test selection | 01:44
MORE COVERAGE
‘There’s definitely a change’: Harsh reality for Aussie cricketers after 27-year first
Unthinkable Kohli reality sinks in as fresh India blow hands Poms another big boost
Dominant Aussie women nearly cop all-time record low in staggering upset loss
The match is the first of six clashes, with another three to come against New Zealand, which loom as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Marsh now the most likely man to captain the team in the tournament.
Selectors have not locked in a permanent replacement for Aaron Finch, who led Australia to World Cup victory in 2019.
But Marsh has been picked as captain for the three matches against the Windies and three against the Kiwis despite the presence of Test skipper Pat Cummins and his vice-captains Steve Smith and Travis Head.
Marsh’s standing in the Australian cricket family was enhanced last week when he was crowned the Allan Border medallist for the first time after a bumper 2023 that included his Test return with a century in the Ashes and a mammoth innings of 177 against Bangladesh at the ODI World Cup in India.
