Six Pakistan players get the go-ahead for England tour

Lahore, June 30

Six Pakistan cricketers, including former captain Mohammad Hafeez, have been cleared to join rest of the team in England after returning a second negative result in Covid-19 tests. Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz also tested negative for the second time in three days and would join rest of the team in Worcestershire. “The PCB will now start making their travel arrangements and the departure details will be shared in due course,” the PCB added.

Four other players —Kashif Bhatti, Haris Rauf, Haider Ali and Imran Khan — tested positive for the second time earlier this week. The first batch of Pakistan players underwent Covid-19 testing on their arrival in Manchester on Sunday before moving to Worcestershire for a 14-day isolation period. — Reuters

Root to miss first Test vs Windies

London: England captain Joe Root will miss the first Test of their three-match series against West Indies to attend the birth of his child, with Ben Stokes set to take the reins in his absence. The first Test is scheduled to begin on July 8 at the Ageas Bowl and Root will leave England’s training camp on Wednesday to be with his wife, Carrie, who is expecting their second child later this week. — Reuters