Ireland batsman Neil Rock tests positive for COVID-19, Doheny called up as replacement
Jul 11, 2021
Dublin [Ireland], July 11 : Ireland wicket-keeper batsman Neil Rock has been tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the South Africa series.
South Africa and Ireland are slated to lock horns in three ODIs and as many T20Is. The first ODI will be played on Sunday in Dublin.
Stephen Doheny has been called up as a replacement for Rock.
"Team management was informed of the positive result today, and Rock has been isolated from the squad as he awaits a follow-up test at the team hotel," Cricket Ireland said in a statement.
"Doheny, meanwhile, will undergo a COVID test this afternoon and - given a negative outcome - will join the squad tomorrow," it added.
"Due to our biosecurity measures and contact tracing, we are satisfied that we do not have any genuine close contact cases and this should therefore have minimal impact on the squad," said Mark Rausa, Head of Sport Science, Physiotherapy and Medical Services for Cricket Ireland.
"However, out of an abundance of caution due to the proximity of the series start, we will test one player and one staff member who had confirmed they spent a short amount of time with Neil with correct COViD safe precautions in place. We expect them to test negative and re-join the squad tomorrow," Rausa added.
The second and third ODI between the two sides will be played on Tuesday and Friday respectively. The T20I series will start on July 20.
