Covid positive result rocks Third Test as Seven commentary team stands down

Seven's coverage of the Third Test has been impacted by Covid-19. Seven's Test Commentary A-team has been forced to stand down for the second day's play following an unnamed member of the Seven team testing positive to Covid-19 on Sunday night.

Seven is moving its Big Bash League commentary team to the Ashes Test. The second day's play has been impacted by speculation about a delayed start on Monday morning after members of the English team reportedly were tested for Covid after a positive test amongst a family member.

The following statement has been issued by Seven on Monday morning ahead of the start of play.

A Statement from Seven Network Head of Sport, Lewis Martin;

“The Seven Network confirms it is responding after a member of staff working on the Ashes broadcast at the MCG tested positive to COVID-19 on Sunday night. 

“The staff member was asymptomatic at time of testing and has been in self isolation since the moment the positive result was returned. 

“Seven is activating its COVID measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff, as well as the broader community, and is working in line with all relevant guidelines and regulations. We are working closely with the MCG operational team and Cricket Australia. 

“Just as the broader community is experiencing, we have COVID response scenarios in place to ensure the impact on Seven’s broadcast is limited. There have been a number of changes to today’s production schedule, which will be led by Alistair Nicholson, Andy Maher and Jason Richardson with expert comments from Lisa Sthalekar, Brad Hodge, Callum Ferguson, Michael Atherton and Dirk Nannes. 

“Seven’s number one priority is the health, safety and welfare of all staff and the community.” 

See also: Seven and Fox Cricket record huge TV ratings for Day 1 of the Third Test at the MCG