England wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes was ruled out from the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Headingley after testing positive for Covid-19 on Sunday,

Due to a stiff back, Foakes, did not maintain wickets on day three of the match on Saturday. Jonny Bairstow filled in for Foakes.

“Foakes was unable to keep wicket yesterday on day three of the Third LV- Insurance Test at Headingley suffering from back stiffness. On a further medical assessment yesterday evening, he subsequently tested positive after administering an LFT Covid-19 test.”

“Details of his return to the England set-up will be announced in due course. However, it is hoped he will be fit for the LV- Insurance Test against India starting next Friday at Edgbaston,” said a statement by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

According to the ECB, Sam Billings will keep the wickets on Sunday in place of Bairstow.  On Sunday, Billings was scheduled to compete for his home team Kent in a Vitality T20 Blast game.

“Kent wicketkeeper/batter Sam Billings, subject to ICC approval, has been drafted in as a like-for-like Covid replacement and will go straight into the XI when the fourth day gets underway from 11.00 A.M today. He will keep wicket.”

“The rest of the England party follows health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required. There are no other positive cases in the camp,” added ECB.

ENG Vs NZ 3rd test Update:

New Zealand after winning the toss opted to bat first and posted 329 on board, thanks to all-rounder Daryll Mitchell’s splendid ton.

In reply, England recorded 31 runs more than the visitors. The star of England’s innings was Jonny Bairstow. The destructive batter played a 162-run knock of 157 to help hosts gain a lead. While the debutant Jamie Overton missed his century by just 3 runs.

Pace department’s heads for the hosts, Trent Boult and Tim Southee took 4 and 3 wickets, respectively. Neil Wagner bagged 2 wicket, while Michael Bracewell dismissed 1 batter.

New Zealand are at 213 for 5 at the time of writing. Daryll Mitchell (18*) and Tom Blundell (31*) are on crease now.