COVID to keep Aussie skipper Marsh 'distanced', but not out of action

After testing positive for COVID-19, Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia from a distance when they take on West Indies in the first of three Twenty20 internationals on Friday, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

The all-rounder will be allowed to play the match at Hobart's Bellerive Oval. But he will have a separate dressing room and be forced to keep a distance from other players while in the field.

"Australia T20 skipper Mitch Marsh has tested positive to Covid-19 but will still play in tomorrow's first T20 against the Windies in Hobart, in line with CA protocols. Marsh will use a separate dressing room during the match and stay distanced while on the field," Cricket Australia said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Marsh was recently confirmed as captain for the three-match T20 series in New Zealand that follows the clashes against the West Indies, making him almost certain to retain the role for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June.

Josh Inglis and Cameron Green have both played internationals in recent weeks despite testing positive for COVID, which also infected Australia coach Andrew McDonald last month.