Australian cricketer pulls out of international game as he is tested for coronavirus after experiencing a sore throat
- Kane Richardson has been tested for coronavirus and put into quarantine
- The 29-year-old suffered a sore throat after returning from South Africa
- He was not sick other than his throat and will return to the side once cleared
- Australia's first ODI against New Zealand will play to an empty SCG on Friday
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Australian cricketer Kane Richardson has been tested for coronavirus after suffering a sore throat.
The fast bowler returned from South Africa with the Australian team this week and was tested for the deadly virus before being put into quarantine.
The Australian squad arrived at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday without the 29-year-old for their first one day international against New Zealand, which will be played to an empty stadium due to coronavirus.
'Our medical staff are treating this as a typical throat infection but we are following Australian Government protocols that require us to keep Kane away from other members of the squad and perform the appropriate tests given he has returned from international travel in the last 14 days,' a Cricket Australia spokesperson said, as reported by cricket.com.au.
Kane Richardson has been tested for coronavirus after suffering a sore throat
Australia's first one day international against New Zealand will be played in front of an empty stadium at the SCG, with no spectators allowed due to the coronavirus
Richardson was not feeling sick other than his throat ailment and will return to the side when he is cleared.
'Once we receive the results of the tests and Kane recovers in the next few days we expect he will re-join the team. We will not be making further comment until something changes,' the spokesperson said.
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Fellow pace bowler Sean Abbott has joined the Australian squad in Richardson's place.
The match is going ahead, with Australia winning the toss and electing to bat.
It is likely all three matches in the Chappell-Hadlee series will not allow fans into the stadium amid coronavirus pandemic fears.
The match is going ahead, with Australia winning the toss and elected to bat. Pictured: the Australian squad at training on Wednesday
Fans who bought tickets will be refunded.
The federal government have been advised by infection experts to cancel all mass gatherings due to coronavirus concerns.
The Australian Grand Prix was cancelled on Friday along with all World Surf League events scheduled in March.
Professor Bill Bowtell from the Kirby Institute at UNSW told the ABC that we need to take greater precautions.
'Are you really seriously suggesting that Ministers should say to the Australian people that it's business as usual?'' he said.
Professor Bowtell said the rate of infection was still increasing in Australia and that holding mass gatherings put people at risk of spreading the virus.
'Facts and evidence dictate that these mass gatherings should not take place,' he said.
'We must bring down the rate of new infections of coronavirus in this country and we must do so in the next hours and days.'
There are now 194 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia and three deaths.
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