Ashes 2021-22: Match Referee David Boon tests positive for COVID-19

The Ashes series has been further rocked as the ICC match referee David Boon has tested positive for COVID-19 and is set to miss the next Test in Sydney. Steve Bernard, who is a member of the International Panel of ICC Referees and based in NSW, will be taking over as the match referee in the fourth Test scheduled to start from January 5.

Earlier, the virus had breached the England camp with positive cases among support staff and family members. The second day of the third Test started a little late after English players were asked not to leave their hotel rooms. Only after the visiting squad returned with a negative result, the match went ahead as per the schedule.

It was also reported that three non-playing members and three family members tested positive for the virus. At the same time, Ricky Ponting, Ian Botham, and Mel Laughlin, who were all part of Channel 7’s broadcasting team were also absent. They were all deemed close contacts to a case in the broadcasting team.

Coming back to Boon, he is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, including having a booster and will now quarantine in Melbourne for the next ten days. “The ICC match referee for the Vodafone men’s Ashes series, David Boon, has tested positive to Covid-19 following a PCR Test,” the statement from Cricket Australia read.

“Steve Bernard, a member of the International Panel of ICC Referees and based in NSW, will take over as match referee for the fourth Ashes Test match, starting on January 5 at the SCG. It is anticipated that David Boon will return to the role for the fifth Test in Hobart, starting on January 14. He is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, including having a booster. Boon will remain in Melbourne and in line with Victorian State Government Health guidelines will continue quarantining for 10 days,” the statement further read.

England coach Chris Silverwood will also miss the third Ashes Test

Earlier today, it was reported that England coach Chris Silverwood will also miss the next Test in Sydney as he was identified as close contact to a positive COVID case. Silverwood will now remain isolated in Melbourne for ten days with his family.

Bowling coach Jon Lewis, spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel, and strength and conditioning coach Darren Veness will also miss the next Test as the trio tested positive for the virus. Batting coach Graham Thorpe will be the stand-in coach for England in the fourth Test.