England’s 2021-22 Ashes campaign in
Australia continues to go from bad to worse with a positive COVID case
reportedly disrupting their training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the
venue for the fourth Test, on Sunday.

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England were training at the SCG when a net
bowler reportedly received word that he had tested positive. It left England
without any net bowlers because they were all deemed close contacts.

Cricbuzz broke the news on their Twitter
page, saying one of England’s batters described the drama as a “shambles”.

Also Read: Ashes: Travis Head tests positive for COVID-19, ruled out of Sydney Test

England, who have already lost the Ashes
series 3-0 with fourth and fifth Tests remaining, suffered another blow on
Sunday, with plans to bring in former player Adam Hollioake to serve on the
coaching staff blocked by COVID-19.

The tourists are preparing for the fourth
Test without their head coach Chris Silverwood who was forced into isolation
when a family member tested positive for COVID-19 in Melbourne.

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Hollioake, a former England one-day captain
who lives on the Gold Coast, had been asked to join the tourists in Sydney
ahead of the SCG clash starting on Wednesday. Though he agreed, it emerged on
Sunday that a close contact of the 50-year-old has subsequently tested positive
and he is unable to take up the offer.

The former all-rounder had been due to work
with players in outdoor settings only. But with any further spread potentially
putting the last two Tests of the series in doubt, there are tight restrictions
on those allowed to join the team environment.

Also Read: Ashes: England batters lack technique to play Tests, says Ricky Ponting

England’s fast bowling coach Jon Lewis,
spin mentor Jeetan Patel and strength and conditioning specialist Darren Veness
have also tested positive for COVID-19. That leaves assistant coach Graham
Thorpe to take charge of the squad this week.

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He is being supported by Nottinghamshire’s
Ant Botha and former England wicketkeeper James Foster, but both men are only
on part-time consultancy contracts.