Sydney Sixers wicket-keeper batsman, Josh Philippe, has screened positive for COVID and will be isolated, including teammates Jack Edwards and Mickey Edwards, who also got the virus the week before. The 24-year-old came back positive on Wednesday (January 26) before the big game versus the Adelaide Strikers and will now be isolated for at least seven days, confirming he will not be ready for the final match even if the Sixers win the playoffs.
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Former Syndey Thunder wicketkeeper Jay Lenton has been welcomed into the team due to the absence of wicketkeepers in the local replacement pool. Lenton was a member of the Sixers’ coaching staff and was finally left off the substitute player pool listing. Therefore, due to some unexpected situations, the BBL has allowed Lenton to join the substitution pool lineup whereas Steve Smith has yet to be given the “no” card.
Sydney Sixers suffers consecutive blows
The Sydney Sixers will be disappointed after losing 3 players in a week due to COVID, and Phillipe, in particular, is likely to be a big setback for the team. So far, the right-hander has produced the most of his team’s runs at the top of the lineup, with 429 runs in 15 games at an avg of 33. He has 4 fifties this season and is currently ranked 7th among BBL run-scorers in the ongoing season.
“Missing from the squad is star opener/wicketkeeper, who earlier today returned a positive Covid-19 diagnosis, with that news following the positive Covid-19 diagnosis received by Jack and Mickey Edwards last week. All three players are in isolation as they recover,” an official statement read.
Furthermore, Daniel Hughes has indeed been included in the Sydney Sixers’ 14-man lineup for the encounter against the Adelaide Strikers, and the former will have to undertake a fitness test 1 hour prior to taking the field. Hughes hurt his ankle during fielding practice before the Perth Scorchers encounter.
