Ben Forks tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday night and was replaced by Sam Billings in the third test against New Zealand underway by the English team.
Forks initially complained of back stiffness and did not enter the field on the third day in Headingley. However, subsequent tests of Covid-19’s lateral flow revealed that he was positive for Covid.
Billings, who had one previous test with Australia in Hobart in January, was drafted as a similar replacement and maintains the ticket gates on the fourth day in Leeds.
The 31-year-old Kent Wicketkeeper Billings scored 29 points and 1 point in his only previous test.
Under the rules of the International Cricket Council, he is free to play the full role in the rest of the test. This means you can hit the bat during the English run chase if you want. Billing will in turn slot in to the 7th Foakes berth.
The rest of the English Party will follow the health protocol for symptom reporting and subsequent testing as needed. Batting coach Marcus Trescosic did a positive test before the third test, but there are no other positive cases in the camp.
If Forks is excluded in England’s next match against India on Friday in Edgbaston, Billings will be competing for a berth with Harry Brook in Yorkshire.