The 15-member New Zealand squad, which toured Australia recently to feature in the Chappell Hadlee Trophy, has been prescribed self-isolation for the scare of Coronavirus outbreak.
The Trans-Tasman rivals could only feature in one out of the three ODIs scheduled as the remainder of the matches were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosts Australia won the match by a margin of 71 runs with the game played in front of empty stands and players replacing handshakes with fist-pumps.
Initially, the matches were scheduled to be played at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on March 16 and then at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on March 20.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) public affairs manager Richard Boock stated, “They [Black Caps players and touring staff] have all gone into self-isolation. We’ve passed on all the details about what self-isolation means, and as far as we know, they all following it strictly.”
Earlier, the South African squad, which toured India, was also advised self-isolation to curb the chances of transmission of the virus.
“It’s only advice, and we can’t instruct them what to do. All we can do is give them the best advice and latest information and contacts in the areas where they’re going,” continued Boock.
The outbreak is now at its epicentre based in Europe and the Middle East, originally hailing from Wuhan in China. Coronavirus has left the sporting world in a standstill with all premier events currently on hold.
“Right now, it’s a holding pattern for us, and we’re keeping the players informed. We’re working closely with the CPA [Cricket Players’ Association], who’ve been fantastic. It’s one of those times where you all pull together,” concluded the NZC official.
