Australia batsman Travis Head will miss the fourth Ashes test against England in Sydney next week after testing positive for COVID-19, Cricket Australia said.

Head would remain in Melbourne and isolate for seven days, making him unavailable for the next test beginning on Jan. 5.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-the-end-of-my-career-south-africas-quinton-de-kock-quits-test-cricket-441290">'Not the end of my career': South Africa's Quinton&nbsp;de Kock quits Test cricket</a>

"As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily," a CA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

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Australian batter Travis Head has tested positive to Covid-19 following a routine PCR test. 
 
As a precautionary measure Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have joined the Australian squad as additional cover. 
 
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"Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive COVID-19 result earlier today.&nbsp;Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage. We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth men's Ashes test in Hobart."

Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have been called in as additional cover.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-india-demolished-south-africa-at-their-fortress-in-centurion-to-go-1-0-up-441187">How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up</a>

Australia have already won the five-match series after victory in Melbourne gave the home side an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Head was instrumental in Australia's win in the first test at the Gabba, scoring 152 runs from 148 balls.

Australia batsman Travis Head will miss the fourth Ashes test against England in Sydney next week after testing positive for COVID-19, Cricket Australia said. Head would remain in Melbourne and isolate for seven days, making him unavailable for the next test beginning on Jan.

Australia batsman Travis Head will miss the fourth Ashes test against England in Sydney next week after testing positive for COVID-19, Cricket Australia said. Head would remain in Melbourne and isolate for seven days, making him unavailable for the next test beginning on Jan. 5. ALSO READ: 'Not the end of my career': South Africa's Quinton de Kock quits Test cricket "As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily," a CA spokesperson said. Australian batter Travis Head has tested positive to Covid-19 following a routine PCR test. As a precautionary measure Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have joined the Australian squad as additional cover. Full statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/1j6o80qZJI — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 31, 2021 × "Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive COVID-19 result earlier today. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage. We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth men's Ashes test in Hobart." Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have been called in as additional cover. IN PICS | How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up Australia have already won the five-match series after victory in Melbourne gave the home side an unassailable 3-0 lead. Head was instrumental in Australia's win in the first test at the Gabba, scoring 152 runs from 148 balls.

Ashes 2021: Australia suffers big blow as Travis Head tests positive for COVID-19, ruled out of Sydney Test

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide.

The Aussies took a massive 237-run first innings lead in the Day-Night Test match. Starc made the most of the Pink ball picking up 4 wickets.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2nd-test-day-3-hosts-in-full-control-after-starc-and-lyon-wreak-havoc-to-bundle-out-england-for-236-437960">Ashes 2nd Test, Day 3: Hosts in full control after Starc and Lyon wreak havoc to bundle out England for 236</a>

Starc gave Australia the first breakthrough dismissing opener Rory Burns in the last session of day-2. He also got the prized scalp of Dawid Malan for 80 who at one point looked on course for a century.

The left-arm pacer was in no mood to stop as he then dismissed wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler to take his third wicket of the innings and wrapped up the English tail dismissing Stuart Broad to end up with figures of 4 for 37 in his 16 overs and in-process becoming the first bowler in the history of international cricket to pick 50 wickets with the Pink ball in the Day-Night Test match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-to-be-indias-vice-captain-for-south-africa-test-series-in-rohit-sharmas-absence-report-437908">KL Rahul to be India's vice-captain for South Africa Test series in Rohit Sharma's absence - Report</a>

Australia have a perfect record in Day-Night Tests winning all the eight matches they have played so far and they are looking on course for yet another win.

Credit to Australia's success with the ball goes to the Pink ball master Starc as he has been their most consistent performer picking up 50 wickets and becoming the first international bowler to do so.

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide.

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide. The Aussies took a massive 237-run first innings lead in the Day-Night Test match. Starc made the most of the Pink ball picking up 4 wickets. ALSO READ: Ashes 2nd Test, Day 3: Hosts in full control after Starc and Lyon wreak havoc to bundle out England for 236 Starc gave Australia the first breakthrough dismissing opener Rory Burns in the last session of day-2. He also got the prized scalp of Dawid Malan for 80 who at one point looked on course for a century. The left-arm pacer was in no mood to stop as he then dismissed wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler to take his third wicket of the innings and wrapped up the English tail dismissing Stuart Broad to end up with figures of 4 for 37 in his 16 overs and in-process becoming the first bowler in the history of international cricket to pick 50 wickets with the Pink ball in the Day-Night Test match. ALSO READ: KL Rahul to be India's vice-captain for South Africa Test series in Rohit Sharma's absence - Report Australia have a perfect record in Day-Night Tests winning all the eight matches they have played so far and they are looking on course for yet another win. Credit to Australia's success with the ball goes to the Pink ball master Starc as he has been their most consistent performer picking up 50 wickets and becoming the first international bowler to do so.

Mitchell Starc becomes first bowler to pick 50 wickets with pink ball in Day-Night Tests

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is now in a race against time to be fully fit for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide starting from December 16. Though Hazlewood hasn't been officially ruled out but if he isn`t available due to mild side strain picked in first Test, then back-up pacer Jhye Richardson could be drafted in his place. 
 
"Josh Hazlewood has been flown home to Sydney on Sunday as he faces a race against time to be fit for the second Vodafone Ashes Test after suffering a mild side strain during the nine-wicket win in Brisbane. The 30-year-old didn`t bowl on the third afternoon at the Gabba and was sent for a scan on Friday night which showed he was at least fit enough to bowl on Saturday," read a report from cricket.com.au on Sunday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hanuma-vihari-or-shreyas-iyer-msk-prasad-gives-his-take-on-middle-order-conundrum-ahead-of-sa-series-436290">Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? MSK Prasad gives his take on middle-order conundrum ahead of SA series</a> 
 
Hazlewood becoming an injury concern came into light when he didn't bowl in the final session of day three during the first Ashes Test at The Gabba. The right-arm pacer returned to bowl six overs on day four and had Jos Buttler caught behind for 23 as Australia won by nine wickets. 
 
For Australia, losing Hazlewood's services will be a big blow ahead of the day-night encounter at the Adelaide Oval as has scalped 32 wickets at an average of 19.90 in pink-ball Tests. In last summer's pink-ball Test against India, Hazlewood was the chief architect of India being shot out for 36 in the second innings, picking 5/8 in just five overs. 
 
Captain Pat Cummins had said after the match that Hazlewood was a bit sore and that Australia will take time in deciding to make him play in second Test. 
 
"(It's) nothing too serious but didn't want it to turn into a huge injury. We don't want to put him in jeopardy for the whole series so we'll take our time. He's a little bit sore so we`re just managing him through -- it`s a five-Test match summer and he`s a key for us, so we don't want to blow him out on day two or three." 
 
If Hazlewood is unavailable for the Adelaide Test, then Jhye Richardson could be his likely replacement. The 25-year-old quick played two Tests against Sri Lanka early in 2019 and has been in outstanding form to start the Sheffield Shield season, picking 23 wickets at an average of 13.43 in four games for Western Australia.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-england-penalised-five-wtc-points-for-slow-over-rate-travis-head-fined-for-audible-obscenity-436108">Ashes: England penalised five WTC points for slow-over rate, Travis Head fined for 'audible obscenity'</a> 
 
But Richardson will face tough competition from Queensland pacer Michael Neser, who took 5/29 and 2/36 in Australia A`s 112-run victory over the England Lions at the Ian Healy Oval. 
 
Player of the match in the first Test, Travis Head, wicketkeeper Alex Carey and opener David Warner, who is doubtful for the second Test due to rib injury, also flew out of Brisbane early on Sunday ahead of the main players group flying out on Monday to reunite with their families in Adelaide.

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is now in a race against time to be fully fit for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide starting from December 16. Though Hazlewood hasn't been officially ruled out but if he isn`t available due to mild side strain picked in first Test, then back-up pacer Jhye Richardson could be drafted in his place.

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is now in a race against time to be fully fit for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide starting from December 16. Though Hazlewood hasn't been officially ruled out but if he isn`t available due to mild side strain picked in first Test, then back-up pacer Jhye Richardson could be drafted in his place. "Josh Hazlewood has been flown home to Sydney on Sunday as he faces a race against time to be fit for the second Vodafone Ashes Test after suffering a mild side strain during the nine-wicket win in Brisbane. The 30-year-old didn`t bowl on the third afternoon at the Gabba and was sent for a scan on Friday night which showed he was at least fit enough to bowl on Saturday," read a report from cricket.com.au on Sunday. ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? MSK Prasad gives his take on middle-order conundrum ahead of SA series Hazlewood becoming an injury concern came into light when he didn't bowl in the final session of day three during the first Ashes Test at The Gabba. The right-arm pacer returned to bowl six overs on day four and had Jos Buttler caught behind for 23 as Australia won by nine wickets. For Australia, losing Hazlewood's services will be a big blow ahead of the day-night encounter at the Adelaide Oval as has scalped 32 wickets at an average of 19.90 in pink-ball Tests. In last summer's pink-ball Test against India, Hazlewood was the chief architect of India being shot out for 36 in the second innings, picking 5/8 in just five overs. Captain Pat Cummins had said after the match that Hazlewood was a bit sore and that Australia will take time in deciding to make him play in second Test. "(It's) nothing too serious but didn't want it to turn into a huge injury. We don't want to put him in jeopardy for the whole series so we'll take our time. He's a little bit sore so we`re just managing him through -- it`s a five-Test match summer and he`s a key for us, so we don't want to blow him out on day two or three." If Hazlewood is unavailable for the Adelaide Test, then Jhye Richardson could be his likely replacement. The 25-year-old quick played two Tests against Sri Lanka early in 2019 and has been in outstanding form to start the Sheffield Shield season, picking 23 wickets at an average of 13.43 in four games for Western Australia. ALSO READ: Ashes: England penalised five WTC points for slow-over rate, Travis Head fined for 'audible obscenity' But Richardson will face tough competition from Queensland pacer Michael Neser, who took 5/29 and 2/36 in Australia A`s 112-run victory over the England Lions at the Ian Healy Oval. Player of the match in the first Test, Travis Head, wicketkeeper Alex Carey and opener David Warner, who is doubtful for the second Test due to rib injury, also flew out of Brisbane early on Sunday ahead of the main players group flying out on Monday to reunite with their families in Adelaide.

Ashes: Josh Hazlewood flies home, in race against time to be fit for 2nd Test against England

Australia must not leave their fate in the hands of other teams at the Twenty20 World Cup and will have to put West Indies to the sword on Saturday to ensure they qualify for the semi-finals, captain Aaron Finch said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-adam-zampas-519-takes-australia-to-dominating-win-vs-bangladesh-keep-semifinals-hope-alive-426701">Australia's eight-wicket win over Bangladesh</a>&nbsp;in 6.2 overs moved Finch`s side to second in the group behind England and ahead of South Africa on net run rate ahead of the final set of Super 12 fixtures.

Australia and South Africa both have six points and Finch said they did not want to rely on the result of the Proteas'&nbsp;game against England, which follows their match against the already eliminated West Indies on Saturday, to qualify.

"Behind the scenes we made a conscious effort not to talk about net run rate and things like that," Finch told reporters on Friday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-led-team-india-crush-scotland-by-eight-wickets-to-keep-semi-final-hopes-alive-427032">T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli-led Team India crush Scotland by eight wickets to keep semi-final hopes alive</a>

"We`d love to keep things in our control. If you start hoping other teams win or lose, it clouds your judgement and vision. We`ll stick to our guns because we know that`s good enough when we get it right.

"West Indies is such a dangerous side ... Obviously with them being out of the competition now they`ve got nothing to lose, which can also be a really dangerous spot."

Adam Zampa picked up five wickets to help skittle Bangladesh for 73 on Thursday and Finch said the leg-spinner, who has 10 victims in the tournament so far, is a "huge weapon".

"He's someone who`s been so consistent over the last couple of years in both white ball formats of the game," Finch said.

"He often bowls maybe sometimes one (over) in the powerplay but then he`ll bowl straight after the powerplay. He puts so much pressure on opposition.

"What's been the most important thing is he gets very, very good players out consistently."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/happy-birthday-virat-kohli-top-five-records-owned-by-the-indian-captain-426942#fastest-to-score-10000-runs-in-odis-426936">Happy Birthday Virat Kohli: Top five records owned by the Indian captain</a>

West Indies'&nbsp;Shimron Hetmyer said the outgoing champions` batsmen had to strive for consistency following a disappointing title defence.

The Caribbean side were knocked out of the competition&nbsp;after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-charith-asalanka-and-pathum-nissanka-help-sri-lanka-beat-west-indies-by-20-runs-426761">20-run defeat by Sri Lanka</a> on Thursday.

"It really helps with the overall performance, with having consistent batters in the team and having players who put up their hands more times than not," Hetmyer said.

"That will really help in us going forward knowing we have another World Cup coming up pretty soon."

Australia must not leave their fate in the hands of other teams at the Twenty20 World Cup and will have to put West Indies to the sword on Saturday to ensure they qualify for the semi-finals, captain Aaron Finch said.

Australia must not leave their fate in the hands of other teams at the Twenty20 World Cup and will have to put West Indies to the sword on Saturday to ensure they qualify for the semi-finals, captain Aaron Finch said. Australia's eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in 6.2 overs moved Finch`s side to second in the group behind England and ahead of South Africa on net run rate ahead of the final set of Super 12 fixtures. Australia and South Africa both have six points and Finch said they did not want to rely on the result of the Proteas' game against England, which follows their match against the already eliminated West Indies on Saturday, to qualify. "Behind the scenes we made a conscious effort not to talk about net run rate and things like that," Finch told reporters on Friday. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli-led Team India crush Scotland by eight wickets to keep semi-final hopes alive "We`d love to keep things in our control. If you start hoping other teams win or lose, it clouds your judgement and vision. We`ll stick to our guns because we know that`s good enough when we get it right. "West Indies is such a dangerous side ... Obviously with them being out of the competition now they`ve got nothing to lose, which can also be a really dangerous spot." Adam Zampa picked up five wickets to help skittle Bangladesh for 73 on Thursday and Finch said the leg-spinner, who has 10 victims in the tournament so far, is a "huge weapon". "He's someone who`s been so consistent over the last couple of years in both white ball formats of the game," Finch said. "He often bowls maybe sometimes one (over) in the powerplay but then he`ll bowl straight after the powerplay. He puts so much pressure on opposition. "What's been the most important thing is he gets very, very good players out consistently." IN PICS | Happy Birthday Virat Kohli: Top five records owned by the Indian captain West Indies' Shimron Hetmyer said the outgoing champions` batsmen had to strive for consistency following a disappointing title defence. The Caribbean side were knocked out of the competition after a 20-run defeat by Sri Lanka on Thursday. "It really helps with the overall performance, with having consistent batters in the team and having players who put up their hands more times than not," Hetmyer said. "That will really help in us going forward knowing we have another World Cup coming up pretty soon."

T20 World Cup: Australia must control their own fate in the tournament, says Aaron Finch

Australian opener David Warner is meticulously preparing for the tougher battles ahead in the World Cup by using a new device on his bat. It is a sensor that stores important data like backlift angle and maximum bat speed.

ICC had approved the usage of bat sensor back in 2017 but none of the international batsmen have used it in matches.

A Bengaluru based company has introduced its version of sensor cap named 'Bat Sense' which Warner has been using in practice to collate data to counter pacers.&nbsp;

The sensor chip is fixed on the top of bat handle. Till the time batsman is batting, the data generated on the chip gets stored in a mobile app through 'cloud storage'.&nbsp;

The technical data consists of aspects such as power index, maximum bat speed, rotational angle of the wrists, backlift angle, bat start angle (whether the bat is coming straight or from first slip angle).&nbsp;

Warner's bat sensor has revealed some interesting insights about how he is doing. His bat speed is believed to be 79 kmph.

"I am not sure whether Warner would use the bat with sensor in a match situation but he has been using it in practice sessions," Atul Srivastava, whose company has a tie-up with the ICC, told PTI.

The data collected could prove to be useful for professional players as they will have a reference point, said former Test wicketkeeper and cricket analyst Deep Dasgupta.

"Earlier, the coaches would depend on their natural instinct about angle of backlift or bat speed or the distance between the bat and body, impact. I believe if accurate data can help coaches in guiding their players, then why not," said Dasgupta, who himself is associated with the project, told PTI.

At the moment, the bat sensor usage is at a nascent stage where collating data is the primary objective. 
"The data that will be available is of primary nature. Once a large chunk of data is collected across a cross-section of players, it can be suitably processed by the coaches. Then players can accordingly change their game as per the available data," said Dasgupta.

As of now, none of the current India players are using the bat sensor, which could well be another game-changer in the near future.&nbsp;

Australian opener David Warner is meticulously preparing for the tougher battles ahead in the World Cup by using a new device on his bat. It is a sensor that stores important data like backlift angle and maximum bat speed.

Australian opener David Warner is meticulously preparing for the tougher battles ahead in the World Cup by using a new device on his bat. It is a sensor that stores important data like backlift angle and maximum bat speed. ICC had approved the usage of bat sensor back in 2017 but none of the international batsmen have used it in matches. A Bengaluru based company has introduced its version of sensor cap named 'Bat Sense' which Warner has been using in practice to collate data to counter pacers. The sensor chip is fixed on the top of bat handle. Till the time batsman is batting, the data generated on the chip gets stored in a mobile app through 'cloud storage'. The technical data consists of aspects such as power index, maximum bat speed, rotational angle of the wrists, backlift angle, bat start angle (whether the bat is coming straight or from first slip angle). Warner's bat sensor has revealed some interesting insights about how he is doing. His bat speed is believed to be 79 kmph. "I am not sure whether Warner would use the bat with sensor in a match situation but he has been using it in practice sessions," Atul Srivastava, whose company has a tie-up with the ICC, told PTI. The data collected could prove to be useful for professional players as they will have a reference point, said former Test wicketkeeper and cricket analyst Deep Dasgupta. "Earlier, the coaches would depend on their natural instinct about angle of backlift or bat speed or the distance between the bat and body, impact. I believe if accurate data can help coaches in guiding their players, then why not," said Dasgupta, who himself is associated with the project, told PTI. At the moment, the bat sensor usage is at a nascent stage where collating data is the primary objective. "The data that will be available is of primary nature. Once a large chunk of data is collected across a cross-section of players, it can be suitably processed by the coaches. Then players can accordingly change their game as per the available data," said Dasgupta. As of now, none of the current India players are using the bat sensor, which could well be another game-changer in the near future.

World Cup: David Warner using bat 'sensor' to counter bowling attack

Australia's popular 'shooting stars' jersey is all set to make its reappearance as Cricket Australia has recalled the iconic kit for the upcoming season.&nbsp;

Wearing the same kit, Steve Waugh-led team Australia lifted World Cup trophy in the year 1999 after defeating Pakistan in the finals.&nbsp;

The five stars of the Southern Cross graced the front of the jersey. It was evocative and proved lucky as Australia won the title that year.&nbsp;

The decision to bring back the nostalgic kit was made by voting and the with its distinctive pattern of green 'shooting stars' on yellow, was the popular choice.&nbsp;

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It all comes down to this... The final! Which retro kit do you want to see the Aussie Men wearing in the ODIs next summer? 
 
Make sure you cast your vote! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PickTheKit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PickTheKit</a>
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The final tussle was between the 'lightning bolts' from 1992-94 and 'shooting stars' from World Cup 1999.&nbsp;

The kit is all set to make a reappearance during the next One-Day International series against New Zealand next season.&nbsp;

Australia's popular 'shooting stars' jersey is all set to make its reappearance as Cricket Australia has recalled the iconic kit for the upcoming season. Wearing the same kit, Steve Waugh-led team Australia lifted World Cup trophy in the year 1999 after defeating Pakistan in the finals.

Australia's popular 'shooting stars' jersey is all set to make its reappearance as Cricket Australia has recalled the iconic kit for the upcoming season. Wearing the same kit, Steve Waugh-led team Australia lifted World Cup trophy in the year 1999 after defeating Pakistan in the finals. The five stars of the Southern Cross graced the front of the jersey. It was evocative and proved lucky as Australia won the title that year. The decision to bring back the nostalgic kit was made by voting and the with its distinctive pattern of green 'shooting stars' on yellow, was the popular choice. It all comes down to this... The final! Which retro kit do you want to see the Aussie Men wearing in the ODIs next summer? Make sure you cast your vote! #PickTheKit — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 24, 2019 × The final tussle was between the 'lightning bolts' from 1992-94 and 'shooting stars' from World Cup 1999. The kit is all set to make a reappearance during the next One-Day International series against New Zealand next season.

'Shooting stars': Australia to put on iconic World Cup 1999 kit for 2019-20 summer

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