Posted by In the wake of England’s Ashes defeat and the Covid debacle, captain Joe Root believes the team has an opportunity to “stand up in adversity.”
Going into the fourth Test in Sydney, England is 3-0 down. Because of Covid, head coach Chris Silverwood is one of a number of staff members who have been isolated. Coaching reinforcements and net bowlers have also been withdrawn.
“It has made things disjointed and challenging but it is a chance to come together,” Root told BBC Sport.
Pace bowling coach Jon Lewis, spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel, and strength and conditioning coach Darren Veness are all missing, along with Silverwood.
Former England one-day captain Adam Hollioake was supposed to join the team to help with coaching, however he was forced out owing to a Covid close contact. The tourists’ training session was disrupted on Sunday when a local net bowler tested positive, prompting the withdrawal of all net bowlers.
All of England’s backroom staff, including the media manager and medical staff, have participated in training sessions, with players even mentoring one another.
Source: BBC Sport