A controversial decision has been taken during the Gold Medal match of commonwealth games 2022. Australian cricketer Tahila McGrath has been allowed to feature for this mega event despite being tested positive for Covid-19.
In this final match between India and Australia, the toss was delayed for 15 minutes and a discussion was going on whether McGrath should be the part of Australian playing XI or not. But she was allowed to take on the field, even if she was showing mild symptoms for Covid.
An official statement came from Commonwealth Games Australia which read,”Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) can confirm that cricketer Tahlia McGrath has returned a positive test for Covid-19,” the statement reads. “CGA clinical staff have consulted with the Commonwealth Games Federation RACEG (Results Analysis Clinical Expert Group) team and match officials, and McGrath is taking part in today’s final against India.”
It also added,”McGrath presented to team management with mild symptoms on Sunday and subsequently returned the positive test. She was named in the starting XI at the toss and the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved her participation in the final.”
While the match was going on, Tahlia McGrath was seen sitting apart from her teammates. She took a separate place in the stands wearing a mask. When her turn came to bat, she just got 2 runs off 4 balls. She was sent back to the dressing room as she got run out on the spectacular fielding of Radhav Yadav, who took a mesmerizing catch at point on Deepti Sharma’s ball.
The statement further reads, “In consultation with the CGF and the ICC, CGA and Cricket Australia medical staff have implemented a range of comprehensive protocols which will be observed throughout the game and for post-match activity, to minimise the risk of transmission to all players and officials.”
“The CGA has maintained a comprehensive Covid-19 risk mitigation strategy for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, with testing protocols over and above those required by the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee. Any further comment will be made at a later time.”
