Under-pressure England coach to miss Sydney Test after virus case in family

England’s beleaguered Ashes tour went from bad to worse Thursday with under-pressure coach Chris Silverwood to miss the fourth Test in Sydney after a family member tested positive for the coronavirus.

Silverwood and his family have to isolate in Melbourne for 10 days while the rest of the team head to Sydney for the clash starting on January 5.

The touring party has now registered seven positive cases — three support staff and four family members — since a PCR testing regime was implemented on Monday after the virus was first detected during the Boxing Day Test.

We’ve got very robust Covid-safe plans that are led by the venues working closely with the health authorities,” he told broadcaster ABC, with crowds of some 35,000 expected for the first few days.

“As long as everyone follows the advice, I think people can come in the knowledge they’re going to be safe.”

The fifth and final Test is in Hobart, where there have been far fewer Covid cases than Sydney.