Thunder vs Strikers goes ahead despite positive Covid-19 cases

The New Year's Eve BBL match between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers will take place as scheduled despite Thunder having four positive Covid-19 tests from their playing squad.

South Australia Health approved the game under strict biosecure protocols which will include Thunder players needing to remain separate from each other and the Strikers' team.

The entire Thunder squad, including staff, underwent PCR tests on Thursday following a positive rapid antigen test. Alex Hales, Alex Ross, Tanveer Sangha and Sam Whiteman are the four players who tested positive. Offspinner Arjun Nair and batter Lachlan Hearne have been drafted into the squad.

It came on a day when the BBL was significantly impacted by Covid with Melbourne Stars reporting seven players and eight staff had tested positive following yesterday's initial case which led to the Stars-Scorchers game being postponed.

"Firstly, our thoughts go to everyone in the community affected by the spread of Covid-19 in recent weeks, including members of our Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder squads," Alistair Dobson, the general manager of Big Bash Leagues, said. "We thank the Strikers, Thunder and SA Health for their hard work today to ensure this match can proceed.

"We will continue to work closely with our Clubs, relevant governments, broadcasters, partners and venues to ensure the season continues safely and successfully throughout January."

All Stars players and staff who have tested positive are currently isolating for seven days in accordance with Victoria government guidelines. None of those players or staff will be available to participate in Stars' next two scheduled matches on January 2 against Scorchers and January 3 against Melbourne Renegades.

Elsewhere, James Pattinson was unable to travel to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales for the January 1 fixture against Sydney Sixers because he was awaiting a PCR result.

Cricket Australia have been scrambling to find solutions to keep the competition running following the positive cases over the last 48 hours.

Australian cricket is threatening to be severely impacted by the surge in cases with Australia batter Travis Head ruled out of the Sydney Test against England after testing positive in Melbourne following a routine PCR test.

Perth Scorchers duo Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, and Melbourne Renegades captain Nic Maddinson have been called up to the Australia Test squad as cover for the Sydney Test.