Three England players and four support staff members tested positive for COVID-19, just two days before the first ODI against Pakistan, said the England and Wales Cricket Board. The squad’s remaining members have all been designated as close contacts and will be isolated. According to an official statement, the Pakistan series will still go ahead, with Ben Stokes scheduled to command a revamped team that will be revealed later on Tuesday.

The seven positive cases were verified by PCR testing conducted on Monday in Bristol, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Those affected will now observe a period of self-isolation in cooperation with Public Health England, Public Health Wales, and Bristol Local Health Authority starting July 4th, in accordance with the UK Government’s quarantine policy.

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The ECB has announced that the Royal London One-Day Internationals and Vitality IT20s against Pakistan will take place as planned. Ben Stokes will return to England duty and captain a revamped team, which will be announced later on Tuesday.

To guarantee safe admission to camp, incoming squad and support team members will undergo PCR testing and bridging procedures.

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, commented: ‘‘We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of biosecure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions.”

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“Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to Captain. We also recognise the impact this news will have on our First Class Counties and their Men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic.” he added.