Pakistan vs Australia: Australia's spin bowling consultant Fawad Ahmed in isolation after testing COVID-19 positive

Karachi: Australia’s spin bowling consultant Fawad Ahmed has been forced into isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of the team’s three-Test series against hosts Pakistan, starting on Friday.

“Team medical staff ensured Fawad isolated on his arrival at the hotel and he then returned the positive test after showing mild symptoms,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“He will remain isolated for at least five days as per government regulations and will only come out of that isolation after he returns two negative tests and is symptom-free.

“Members of the Australia touring party self-test regularly and undergo regular testing from external medical practitioners.”

All Australian players returned negative for the virus on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old was roped in as a spin consultant after Sridharan Sriram was unavailable for the tour.

Earlier this week, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf had tested positive for the virus, making him doubtful for the opening Test.

Australia is touring Pakistan after 24 years and will play for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy to mark the occasion.

The first Test will be held in Rawalpindi from 4 to 8 March, followed by the second Test in Karachi from 12 to 16 March and third Test in Lahore from 21-25 March.

It will be followed by three ODIs and a one-off T20, all of which will be played in Rawalpindi between 29 March and 5 April.

Since Australia’s Test team’s last tour in 1998, Pakistan has been hosting its home series against them at neutral venues.

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