England’s wicket-keeper batsman Ben Foakes has tested positive for COVID19 and has been ruled out of the ongoing New Zealand tour of England 2022.
Ben Foakes Ruled Out of NZ Test Series
Featuring in the first two test matches, Ben Foakes scored 7 runs in the first test and 56 runs and 12* in the first two innings of the second test match.
Foakes had not kept wickets on the third day when it was cited that the had a stiff back.
“Foakes was unable to keep wicket yesterday on day three of the Third LV= Insurance Test at Headingley suffering from back stiffness. On a further medical assessment yesterday evening, he subsequently tested positive after administering an LFT COVID-19 test.
“Details of his return to the England set-up will be announced in due course. However, it is hoped he will be fit for the LV= Insurance Test against India starting next Friday at Edgbaston,” said a statement from ECB.
England has also drafted in Sam Billings as a replacement, subject to approval.
“Kent wicketkeeper/batter Sam Billings, subject to ICC approval, has been drafted in as a like-for-like COVID replacement and will go straight into the XI when the fourth day gets underway from 11:00 am today. He will keep wicket.”
England still needs 113 runs to win the 3rd test match at the end of Day 4, where England already sealed the series victory by beating New Zealand in the first 2 test matches.
