Covid strikes Rohit, Mayank Agarwal called up

India have called up opener Mayank Agarwal for the Test match against England in Edgbaston, starting on July 1.

He could replace Indian Test skipper Rohit Sharma who has tested positive for Covid-19.

This could be a massive blow to India’s preparations for the one-off Test, though it can also be a huge opportunity for Mayank.

According to a BCCI statement, “Rohit has tested positive in the Rapid Antigen Test in Leicester, England.”

“His test was conducted on Saturday, June 25. He’s been placed under isolation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team supervising his health.”

There were speculations over Rohit’s health during the third day of the warm-up match against Leicestershire where the Indian skipper made 25 in the first innings.

Earlier, R Ashwin had also tested positive before leaving India which delayed his arrival.

Till now, there is no announcement on the captaincy change.

This decision will be taken closer to the game with Rohit’s status being monitored.

India is already without the services of their other regular Test opener KL Rahul, who is nursing an injury.

Even the English camp has been hit by the Covid 19 virus, with Ben Foakes testing positive.