The ongoing Big Bash League has been rocked by multiple Covid-19 cases, with 11 players and eight support staff members from Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder returning positive tests. The two franchises are now working with Cricket Australia regarding their upcoming fixtures.

On Thursday, Match No. 27 between Perth and Melbourne at the Marvel Stadium was postponed after a member of the Stars' support staff tested positive for Covid-19. The Thunder, who have four cases (all players), are scheduled to take on Adelaide Strikers on Friday (December 31), while the Stars' next match is against Perth Scorchers on January 2. Cricket Australia confirmed that the match between Adelaide and Sydney will go as scheduled.

"First and foremost, we wish everyone affected by this outbreak a quick and speedy recovery. The health and safety of our players and staff will continue to be our priority, especially with the challenges the new Omicron variant presents," Stars general manager Blair Crouch said.

"We are providing all the support we can to players, staff and their families. I'd like to thank the medical teams at both Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia for their ongoing guidance and support."

The Stars have been impacted heavily by the Covid-10 outbreak, with seven of their players and eight support staff members testing positive for the virus. All the Stars squad members, who had tested negative, will undergo another round of testing on Saturday.

It’s not just in the Big Bash, Travis Head will also miss the fourth Test in Sydney after testing positive on Friday. He is the latest positive coronavirus case on the Ashes tour with England's under-pressure coach Chris Silverwood also out of the Sydney Test after a family member failed a test. 

The touring party has so far registered seven positives -- 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.

England fast bowling coach Jon Lewis, spin coach Jeetan Patel and strength and conditioning boss Darren Veness are reportedly among those in isolation. International Cricket Council match referee David Boon, who has officiated at every Test so far, will also be absent in Sydney after he too tested positive.