Kane Richardson missed the first ODI against New Zealand at an empty stadium in Sydney after being sent for tests as a precaution amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Richardson was part of the Australian team that returned from South Africa and was isolated after complaints of a mild sore throat.

‘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.

‘Once we receive the results of the tests and Kane recovers in the next few days we expect he will re-join the team.’

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Fans were told to stay away from the clash in Sydney as sporting bodies attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Proteas’ ongoing ODI series against India will be played behind closed doors. The series opener in Dharamsala was washed out on Thursday. Lucknow and Kolkata will host the second and third ODI, respectively.

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‘After holding discussions with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Thursday announced that the remaining two ODIs of the three-match series of South Africa’s tour of India will be played without any public gathering, including spectators,’ read a statement from the BCCI.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday assessed that Covid-19 can be characterised as a pandemic. The BCCI is making every effort for compliance with the regulatory bodies of the Government of India and ensure the safety of our athletes and valued fans. The BCCI will continue to take guidance from the Government of India and state regulatory bodies.’

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