AUS vs SA: Matt Renshaw tests Covid positive in Third Test

Matt Renshaw tested positive for Covid in a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) after being recalled to the Test side. The 26-year-old and Ashton Agar were called up to national side after injuries to Starc and Cameron Green.

Just prior to playing his first red-ball match in nearly five years, the batter felt unwell on the opening day of the Sydney Test. Later, Renshaw stood a bit away from his teammates during the national anthems and was also seen sitting away from the dugout on the boundary edge to avoid contact with his compatriots. However, a CA spokesperson confirmed that the batter would continue to feature in the contest.

“Australian batter Matthew Renshaw reported feeling unwell shortly before play in the third Test match against South Africa in Sydney and was separated from the squad. Renshaw has since returned a positive RAT test. He will continue to take part in the match,” a CA spokesperson was quoted as by a cricket news website.

Renshaw last made an appearance for the red-ball team against the same opposition in the infamous sandpaper gate episode. Despite playing the contest in Sydney with Covid, Peter Handscomb was listed as a late substitute should.

Still don’t know how we haven’t had Covid in our team yet: Pat Cummins

Incidentally, on the eve of the Test match, Australia skipper Pat Cummins addressed the topic of the virus. He stated that the side was ‘back to normal life’.

“I still don’t know how we haven’t had Covid in our team now I think about it. It feels like we’re back to normal life,” said the skipper.

It remains to be seen if Renshaw continues to play throughout the contest or will Handscomb take the field as a substitute. The Aussies have already taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series heading into the final Test in Sydney.