New Zealand's tour of England went from bad to worse on Wednesday after Devon Conway became the latest squad member to test positive for Covid-19.
Captain Kane Williamson was struck down on the eve of the second Test at Trent Bridge, with all-rounder Michael Bracewell also testing positive following England's series-clinching win.
Conway's case came up after a separate round of PCR testing on Wednesday, with physio Vijay Vallabh and strength and conditioning specialist Chris Donaldson also flagged. Batter Conway has started five days of isolation.
However, Conway and Bracewell are expected to be available to play in the final Test at Headingley, which starts on June 23.
“Devon Conway has tested positive for Covid-19 and has begun five days of isolation,” a New Zealand statement said on Thursday.
“The rest of the touring party have returned negative results and will continue following the tour health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing if required. No replacement players are being sort at this stage.”
The remainder of the squad has returned negative results and those who have been forced to isolate are travelling separately to Leeds on Sunday for the series finale at Headingley.
There seems to be no respite for the Kiwis, who saw a seemingly 'unlosable' Test turned into a heavy defeat in a couple of sessions in Nottingham.
Jonny Bairstow smashed 136 from just 92 balls and Ben Stokes made an unbeaten 75 as England chased down 299 in 50 overs on the final day to win by five wickets and clinch the three-match series against the reigning world Test champions.
The Black Caps fell to defeat despite amassing 553 in the first innings.
Bairstow onslaught guides England to famous win over New Zealand
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Jonny Bairstow celebrates reaching his century that helped England defeat New Zealand by five wickets on the final day of the second Test at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. AP -
England captain Ben Stokes, left, celebrates after hitting a four to win the match. Reuters -
England's Jonathan Bairstow hits Trent Boult of New Zealand for six on his way to a brilliant 136. Getty -
England batter Ben Stokes hits a six off the bowling of New Zealand's Trent Boult. Reuters -
Jonny Bairstow celebrates his century at Trent Bridge. Getty -
England's Ben Stokes dives and narrowly avoids a run out. Reuters -
England's Jonny Bairstow is congratulated by captain Ben Stokes after his thrilling innings came to an end. PA -
England batter Jonny Bairstow hits a six. PA -
England captain Ben Stokes plays a shot on his way to an unbeaten 75. AFP -
England's Jonny Bairstow celebrates reaching his 50. AFP -
Tim Southee of New Zealand celebrates after dismissing England's Alex Lees. Getty -
England opener Alex Lees hits a six on his way to 44. Getty -
New Zealand bowler Trent Boult of celebrates dismissing Joe Root. Getty -
A frustrated Joe Root after the England batsman was caught and bowled for three by New Zealand's Trent Boult. Reuters -
England opener Zak Crawley is caught at slip by Tim Southee off the bowling of Trent Boult for a duck. Getty -
New Zealand bowler Matt Henry celebrates the dismissal of England's Ollie Pope for 18. AP -
An aerial view of Trent Bridge, with the football stadiums of Nottingham Forest - the City Ground - and Notts County - Meadow Lane - in the background. Getty -
England bowler Stuart Broad celebrates with teammates the dismissal of New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson for one. AP -
New Zealand batter Matt Henry is bounced out by Stuart Broad for 18. Reuters -
Stuart Broad of England celebrates dismissing Matt Henry. Getty
