Australia could be without their leg-spinner Adam Zampa for a crunch T20 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka in Perth tonight (10pm AEDT).
Zampa has tested positive for Covid-19, making him an extreme doubt for the must-win match, although he is only showing minor symptoms according to Cricket Australia.
It would be a huge blow for Australia, who were shocked by New Zealand in their first match and are now fighting for survival in the tournament.
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World Cup rules state that players who test positive for Covid can still play, as Ireland’s George Dockrell did at the weekend.
Zampa would have to travel to the game separately and would remain somewhat segregated from the playing group overnight.
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It wouldn’t be a completely foreign situation for Australia after Tahlia McGrath played this year’s Commonwealth Games gold medal match with Covid.
CA said in a statement that Zampa was recovering and remains available for selection.
“Zampa’s condition is improving and his condition is now reported to be mild,” the statement said.
“If selected, Zampa will travel to the match separately and be away from the Australian playing group, but is free to play under ICC guidelines. The decision will be made closer to the draw.”
Should Zampa not feature, he could be replaced by spinner Ashton Agar, unless the selectors opt for a high-pace line-up and rely on Glenn Maxwell for four spins.
In that case, the door would be open to Cameron Green or Nathan Ellis.
According to the Daily TelegraphZampa’s symptoms are not serious, although there are still concerns about him playing.
Australia need to beat Sri Lanka in Perth and, given the big knock, their net run rate had an 89-run defeat to New Zealand in Sydney.
The hosts are expected to keep the same XI with the exception of replacing Zampa, if he is deemed unfit to play.
MORE TO COME
TEAMS
Australia XI (Prediction): David Warner, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa/Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood
Sri Lanka XI (Prediction): Kusal Mendis (week), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Binura Fernando
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