Miami:The Ireland Men’s squad arrived in Miami ahead of the historic first-ever full series against the US. However, a number of members of the squad tested positive before departure.
According to Cricket Ireland statement, Barry McCarthy, George Dockrell , Harry Tector, Gareth Delany and Assistant Coach Gary Wilson have tested positive.
Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell both tested positive during pre-series testing, they will shortly complete their isolation period and will fly out once if they then return a negative PCR result.
Harry Tector and Gareth Delany – already in Florida, having played in the recent US T20 Open tournament, both reported Covid positive prior to joining up with squad and have begun their 10-day in-room isolation.
Craig Young was identified on the eve of departure as a close contact of a positive case, and is not permitted to travel for 10 days and must receive a negative PCR test before he can join the squad.
Assistant Coach Gary Wilson has had to delay his departure after it appears he received a false positive report on his pre-series COVID test. He is being re-tested, and if clear, will fly out on Sunday.
Ireland High Performance Director, Richard Holdsworth has denied any threat to the series and said, “We are pleased to have our squad arrive in Miami and are all looking forward to the series ahead. We have experienced a few last minute complications related to Covid, but with the extended travelling squad that we have taken, and the recall of Josh Little from Sri Lanka, we don’t foresee any issues with the series proceeding as scheduled."
“Several of our players have had their departures from Ireland delayed, but we are hopeful they can join the squad in Florida in a few days. Likewise, Assistant Coach Gary Wilson – who we believe may have received a false positive, couldn’t depart with the main squad. He’ll be re-tested again today and we hope will be cleared to travel shortly.
“Harry Tector and Gareth Delany, who were already in Florida, respectively returned positive results via antigen tests before they could join up with the squad, and will remain separately until they have undergone PCR tests to confirm their status," he added.
Ireland are scheduled to play two T20I and three ODIs against the US from December 22 to 31.
Later, they will take on the West Indies for three ODIs and one T20 internationals from January 8 to 14 in the Caribbean.(UNI)