Neil Rock, the Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman, who had earned a debut call-up to the national team's T20I squad for the South Africa series, has tested positive for COVID-19. While he has been sent in isolation, 22-year-old uncapped Stephen Doheny has earned a call-up as his replacement." Team management was informed of the positive result today, and Rock has been isolated from the squad as he awaits a follow-up test at the team hotel," Cricket Ireland stated in a release on Saturday (July 10). "Doheny, meanwhile, will undergo a COVID test this afternoon and - given a negative outcome - will join the squad tomorrow."
One player and one support staff have confirmed to have come in contact with Rock and will undergo testing as per the safety protocols. Mark Rausa, Head of Sport Science, Physiotherapy and Medical Services for Cricket Ireland, said, "Due to our biosecurity measures and contact tracing, we are satisfied that we do not have any genuine close contact cases and this should therefore have minimal impact on the squad. The three-match ODI series, due to begin on July 11, is to be played in Malahide. It will be followed by a three-match T20I series from July 19 to 24, which will be played in Malahide and Stormont.
