Superchargers vs Originals set to go ahead despite two positive Covid-19 cases
The game is a must-win fixture for both teams, sitting fifth and sixth on the points table
Matt Roller
11-Aug-2021
Superchargers are expected to take the field against Originals, despite two players testing Covid positive • Getty Images
Northern Superchargers men's fixture against Manchester Originals is set to go ahead as scheduled on Thursday night, despite two players testing positive for Covid-19.
All players in the Hundred are required to take regular lateral flow tests before training and matchdays, and two unnamed Superchargers players returned positive results on Monday, as ESPNcricinfo revealed.
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The results were subsequently confirmed by PCR tests and the affected players have been self-isolating away from the rest of the squad.
The players are not expected to be named until Thursday's toss. The fixture is a must-win for both sides: with two group games remaining, Originals are fifth and Superchargers are sixth, with the top three qualifying for next week's knockout stages.
If the fixture had been cancelled, the final group table would have been decided on points-per-game, which would have dealt a severe blow to both teams' knockout hopes.
"Two Northern Superchargers men's players have tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unavailable for tomorrow night's fixture against Manchester Originals at Emerald Headingley," a statement confirmed.
"After returning positive tests, they have been isolating as per the government guidance. No other members of the squad have been impacted and the group continue to undertake daily tests as per the competition's guidelines."
A spokesperson also confirmed that the players would be ruled out of Northern Superchargers' final group fixture, against Birmingham Phoenix on August 17.
The players are the first to test positive in the Hundred. Four members of coaching staff - three at Trent Rockets, including Andy Flower, and Shane Warne at London Spirit - have previously been forced to self-isolate after positive tests.
Matt Roller is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98