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Australian captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the second Adelaide Ashes test after being identified as close contact in a COVID-19 case later on Thursday, Cricket Australia said.
The commission said Cummins would have to be isolated for seven days and would look to play in Melbourne’s third round from 26 December.
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Cricket Australia media reports confirmed that the fastball player was having dinner at a restaurant in Adelaide on Wednesday night, where a positive COVID-19 case was identified.
“(He) did not violate the biosecurity protocol,” the CA said in a statement.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“SA Health has confirmed that Cummins has a close relationship and will have to be isolated for seven days.”
Cummins, the world’s best test bowler, beat England nine wickets at the opening of the Ashes in Brisbane in their first match as captain.
Leaving Adelaide out of the test is a blow for Australia, who want to take a 2-0 lead in the series of five tests.
Cricket Australia said fast bowler Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon were having dinner at the same Cummins restaurant, but at an outside table.
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They were considered casual contacts and are free to play.
Deputy Captain Steve Smith will take over as captain of Cummins, and will return to the role for nearly four years, almost four years after losing his role in the Newlands 2018 ball handling scandal.
Travis Head will be the deputy captain, and Michael Neser will calmly replace Cummins in the attack.
“It’s understandable that Cummins is so disappointed that he can’t captain Australia for the Adelaide day-night test,” the CA said.
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