With each passing day, the outbreak of Coronavirus is taking a heavy toll on people worldwide. The deadly disease has reached 123 countries with more than 1,32,500 people affected by it.
While the deadly disease has taken a toll on almost all sports bodies, Cricket is no exception. In the last couple of days, almost all the international tournaments have either got called-off or postponed.
New Zealand team which came to Australia to play a three-match ODI series against Australia also flew back to their home after completing the first ODI due to the deadly disease.
However, before the team would travel back home, their fast-bowler Lockie Ferguson suffered a sore throat during the first ODI against Australia. The New Zealand cricketer was kept in isolation and underwent test for the same.
“In accordance with recommended health protocols, Lockie Ferguson has been placed in isolation at the team hotel for the next 24 hours after reporting a sore throat at the end of the first ODI,” said a New Zealand Cricket spokesperson.
FERGUSON CLEARED OFF, TESTS NEGATIVE
In the recent development, it has been understood that Ferguson is cleared off Covid-19 and has tested negative. Ferguson is now set to leave for New Zealand.
Earlier, Australian bowler, Kane Richardson too complained of a sore throat ahead of the start of the series. He too was later cleared of the contracting virus.
Nevertheless, Australia made a solid start to the ODI series, winning the first ODI by 71 runs. Batting first, Australia posted 258 runs in 50 overs, courtesy a brilliant opening partnership between David Warner and Aaron Finch. However, once the opening wicket fell, wickets starting to tumbling on a regular interval.
Ashes star, Marnus Labuschagne, however, did take the team to a competitive total with his fighting 56 off 52 balls.
New Zealand, in reply, couldn’t even produce a contest, leave aside winning. They folded for 187 in 41 overs, losing the game by 71 runs. Martin Guptil top scored with 40, while Tom Latham made 38 runs off 40 deliveries.
