Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins caught in COVID-19 scare ahead of second Ash test in Adelaide
Juan J. Monroe 
Australian Test cricket captain Pat Cummins will miss the second Ashes Test in Adelaide after being identified as a close contact with COVID-19.
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins was forced to sit out the second Ashes Test after being identified as a close contact with COVID-19.
News that the skipper was exposed to coronavirus broke on Thursday morning, just hours before Australia face England at Adelaide Oval.
Cricket Australia has confirmed Cummins has been identified as a close contact by South Australia Health and will be required to self-isolate for seven days.
“Cummins was dining at a restaurant last night and did not violate any biosecurity protocols,” a statement read.
“He self-isolated as soon as he became aware of the situation and has since undergone a PCR test, which came back negative.”
He was at dinner with Adelaide Strikers star Harry Conway and has been in isolation at home since being told about his exposure.
Cricket Australia expects Cummins to be able to take part in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne following his period of self-isolation.
“Cummins is understandably very disappointed at not being able to lead Australia for the day-night test in Adelaide,” the statement read.
Vice-captain Steve Smith will lead the team in Cummins’ absence.
Smith last captained Australia in 2018 before being forced out of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc also frequented the same restaurant on Wednesday night but sat at a table outside.
They were given the green light to play after SA Health considered them casual contacts.
Michael Neser will make his test debut and Travis Head will become vice president.
Cummins said he was “disgusted” to miss the test but “really excited” to see Neser in the baggy green.
“He did the tough yards and is a very skilled player,” Cummins tweeted.
“Super frustrating, but COVID has thrown curve balls at us all over the past two years. I’m going to cheer!”
