ICC match referee David Boon has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be available for the fourth Ashes test in Sydney from January 5, Cricket Australia has confirmed.
Boon, who is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, will be replaced by Steve Bernard, a New South Wales-based member of the international panel of referees, CA added.
He will remain in Melbourne, where he will complete 10 days quarantine, and is expected to be available for the fifth test between Australia and England in Hobart, which begins on January 14.
Ashes referee David Boon (centre) will miss the fourth Test after testing positive for Covid
Amid a growing number of infections in Australia, Thursday’s Big Bash meeting between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars has been postponed after a member of the Stars support staff returned a positive test.
Cricket Australia said: ‘The ICC match referee for the Vodafone men’s Ashes series, David Boon, has tested positive to Covid-19 following a PCR Test.
‘Steve Bernard, a member of the International Panel of ICC Referees and based in NSW, will take over as match referee for the fourth Ashes Test match, starting on January 5 at the SCG.
It comes amid a Covid outbreak in England’s camp, with seven people from their wider touring party testing positive
Chris Silverwood will have to miss the fourth Ashes Test after a close contact with Covid
‘It is anticipated that David Boon will return to the role for the fifth Test in Hobart, starting on January 14. He is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, including having a booster.
‘Boon will remain in Melbourne and in line with Victorian State Government Health guidelines will continue quarantining for 10 days.
‘All players from both teams, their families, the England and Australian support staff and the match officials have been having daily PCR tests since Monday, December 27.
