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Finn Allen ( Image Credit: Twitter)
New Zealand batsman Finn Allen has tested positive for COVID-19 days after landing in Dhaka. Allen, who represented Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, arrived in Dhaka on August 20, four days before the rest of the squad. Allen is fully vaccinated and passed all his pre-departure Tests before boarding the flight to the UK.
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The test was conducted after Allen complained of experiencing moderate symptoms. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is getting all the necessary treatment from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief medical officer. The right-hander will be monitored by New Zealand doctor Pat McHugh during quarantine.
Allen will now have to serve certain days of isolation and return COVID -19 negative before being allowed to join the squad for the five-match T20I series that gets underway on September 1.
New Zealand manager Mike Sandle revealed he has been in constant touch with Finn Allen and is assured that he is getting the best treatment from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
“It’s really unfortunate for Finn,” said Mr Sandle. “He’s comfortable at the moment and hopefully he’ll recover quickly; test negative and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as possible.
It is not clear how Allen got infected with the virus. The Wellington Firebird batter arrived in Bangladesh on an Emirates flight before moving into isolation.
“The Bangladesh cricket authorities have been extremely professional in their response and we’re grateful to them for that,” he said.
“They’re treating the matter very seriously.”
A decision on replacing Finn Allen in the New Zealand squad will be made in due course. Earlier today, the rest of the contingent also arrived in Dhaka. The team will serve three days in isolation before being allowed to train for the series. The series will commence on September 1, with the matches to follow on September 3, 5, 8, and 10. All matches will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
Notably, the visitors are without some of the their regulars and will have to punch above their weight to claim a series win over high flying Bvangladesh, who recently thrashed Australia 4-1.