Matt Renshaw tests positive for Covid-19, will appear in Sydney Test against South Africa.

Australian cricketer Matthew Renshaw tests positive for Covid-19 ahead of his Test recall during the third and the final match of the series against South Africa, he will, however, continue to take part in the match.

“Australian batter Matthew Renshaw reported feeling unwell shortly before play in the third Test match against South Africa in Sydney and was separated from the squad. Renshaw has since returned a positive RAT test. He will continue to take part in the match,” a Cricket Australia (CA) spokesperson said.

Having last played a Test in 2018, Matthew made his return to the nationals after a five-year absence. However, his return has been threatened after a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). Despite the positive result, Renshaw was named in the XI, listed to bat at number six, and Australia says that he will “continue to take part in the match”, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Though Peter Handscomb was named as the emergency fielder in the team sheet, indicating that he could be drafted as a Covid substitute if the need arises.

As the entire Australian team stood arm in arm during the National Anthem ceremony, Renshaw was seen standing at the end of the line with a clear gap between him and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.