Sam Billings drafted into England's XI as Ben Foakes tests positive for Covid-19

England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes has tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, Sam Billings has been drafted into the side and will take the gloves when play begins on Day Four, subject to ICC's approval. This is not the first Covid case in the England camp as batting coach Marcus Trescothick too had tested positive and hence is absent from the ongoing Test at Headingley.

Jonny Bairstow had donned the gloves on Day Three in Foakes' absence as Foakes was suffering from back stiffness. Billings' only Test for England came against Australia in Hobart earlier this year after Jos Buttler was injured.

"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," the ECB said in a statement.

"The rest of the England party follows health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required. There are no other positive cases in the camp," the statement further added.

There had been multiple Covid cases in the New Zealand camp, including Kane Williamson, who missed the second Test at Trent Bridge. 

New Zealand will resume Day Four at 168 for 5, with a lead of 137 runs. Earlier, England put up 360 on the board, recovering from 55 for 6 in reply to New Zealand's 329 thanks to a magnificent ton by Bairstow (162) with debutant Jamie Overton chipping in with 97.

England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.