Stirling, Getkate test positive for Covid-19

Ireland allrounders Paul Stirling and Shane Getkate have been quarantined in Florida after testing positive for Covid-19 and will miss at least the first ODI against West Indies in Jamaica. The duo returned positive tests and are isolating in the United States, after the three-match ODI series was called off due to Covid-19 concerns.

The Ireland squad is scheduled to depart for Jamaica on Friday (December 31), where they will play three ODIs, starting January 8, and a solitary T2OI. The isolated players are likely to rejoin the Irish lineup by January 9 if they return negative Covid-19 test results. Meanwhile, George Dockrell has been cleared following isolation and will travel with the team on Friday.

"...The transmissibility of this latest strain of the virus has not spared us - nor indeed the USA squad nor the umpires in our recent series - and overnight three players have now tested positive. These are the only three Irish players to date that have tested positive since entering the Managed Environment, albeit we also have two players isolating as registered 'close contacts' of positive cases too. These latter players tested negative subsequently, but will need to do so again before they join the squad in Jamaica," Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said.

"We have seen sport all around the world negatively impacted by this virus still, and like all sporting organisations trying to continue with sport during the pandemic, we are adapting quickly and responding to the needs of those in our duty of care. We have an extended squad with us on this tour, so will be able to cope with these absences pending no further outbreaks. We are also working closely with Cricket West Indies to ensure that both parties are satisfied with the current arrangements in place."

Ireland are working with Cricket West Indies on Covid-19 protection measures in Kingston. Andrew Balbirnie and Andy McBrine, previously listed as close contacts of positive cases and isolating, will likely join the squad in Jamaica after Sunday, provided they deliver a negative test. Meanwhile, Harry Tector and Gareth Delany have completed quarantines and will travel to Jamaica.

(With inputs from AFP)