Ashes: 'Relocate the remaining Tests', Michael Vaughan urges after COVID-19 outbreak

Michael Vaughan requested Cricket Australia to host the remaining Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground only, due to the Covid-19 situation around. 

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged Cricket Australia (CA) to host the fourth, and possibly the fifth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), given the evolving COVID-19 situation in the country. On Monday (December 27), two England cricket team support staff and two of their family members tested COVID-positive, leading to a panic situation with the entire touring party undergoing Rapid Antigen Tests and the proceeding on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test getting delayed by half an hour.

COVID-positive cases have also been reported in the Ashes broadcaster, Channel Seven, staff with the commentary team for the second day overhauled with several callers ruled out as close contacts. Vaughan said that amid the COVID mayhem, the host cricket board should consider relocating the remaining two Tests to Melbourne. The fourth Test is scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), while the fifth and final Ashes game is scheduled in Bellerive Oval, Hobart.

The England team and management are currently at the team hotel awaiting results of RFT COVID tests following a positive test in the team’s family group.