Glenn Maxwell, star Australian cricketer, tested positive for COVID-19, further complicating the Big Bash League’s coronavirus-related struggles. The 33-year-old, who is the skipper for Melbourne Stars, is the 13th player to get a positive test from the club.

According to media reports, Maxwell’s COVID test was conducted through the rapid antigen method following the Melbourne derby against the Melbourne Renegades. He is now awaiting the results of a PCR test.

Also Read: Watch | Glenn Maxwell invents new shot; ICC asks for a name

The Renegades became the fifth team in the Big Bash League to report a positive COVID case in the ongoing season. The club was also forced to call off its training session due to the outbreak.

Three other clubs in the Big Bash League– in addition to the two Melbourne teams– have reported COVID cases. On Tuesday, Brisbane Heat was forced to cancel their game with Sydney Sixers, which was being played on the Gold Coast, according to Cricket Australia reports.

Players like Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Zampa are expected to return to the fields for their next matches as the mandated seven-day quarantine periods end soon. Their next clash is scheduled for Friday, where they will take on Adelaide Strikers.

Also Read: Australia’s COVID infection tally crosses 500,000 mark with record cases

The COVID outbreaks in the Big Bash League teams have been a mental challenge for the players too, Hilton Cartwright said in a statement. The 29-year-old, who was one of only a few leading Stars players who has managed to avoid contracting COVID, said “I’ve never felt more vulnerable to a virus in my entire life and I never realised how much it was going to affect my mental state.”

Australia registered a record number of fresh COVID cases earlier this week as omicron has tightened its grip.