Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath, who is currently with the national team in New Zealand for the upcoming two-match Test series, has returned positive for Covid-19.
Confirming the development to the media on Wednesday, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) cricket operation chairman Akram Khan said the bowling coach might be forced to spend few more days in quarentine now.
“Our bowling coach Herath has been Covid-19 positive. According to the rules there, Herath might need to undergo more days in quarantine,” Akram told media in New Zealand.
The Bangla Tigers have already completed their mandatory seven-day isolation period after landing in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Herath has been separated from the rest of the team and is serving isolation for few more days separately.
On the other hand, the isolation period of nine team members, including four players; Mominul Haque, Yasir Ali, Fazle Rabbi and Mehedi Hasan Miraz, of the visiting side have been increased for few more days as a passenger, who sat near them during their flight to New Zealand, returned positive for the deadly virus after the latest test.
“During our flight to New Zealand, a passenger has been found as Covid-19 positive in later test. So the players who sit adjacent to that person are undergoing isolation for an extra period of time,” Akram further informed.
”Other members of the squad have already been freed to practice from today though they could not do so due to rain after completing their mandatory quarantine period. The rest (who are asked to quarantine) will join them after obtaining a corona negative result following their quarantine period they were asked to complete,” he added.
Notably, all the Bangladesh players and staff members underwent their third Covid-19 tests on Wedneday after landing in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, reports also suggested that Bangladesh pace-bowling coach Ottis Gibson is also unwell due to a stomach problem.
Notably, Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Tests against hosts New Zealand, which is a part of the World Test championship (WTC).
The first Test will begin on January 1 at Mount Manganui while the second Test will begin from January 9 in Christchurch. The tourist will also play a practice game against New Zealand A from December 28-29.