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Despite testing positive for COVID-19, Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia from a distance when they take on West Indies in the first T20I of a three-match series at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Due to the virus, Marsh will have to adhere to Cricket Australia’s protocols. He will have a separate dressing room and will be forced to keep a distance from other players while on the field. For the unversed, all-rounder Cameron Green and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis both recently played for Australia despite testing positive for Covid. Head coach Andrew McDonald had also come in contact with the virus.

“Australia T20 skipper Mitch Marsh has tested positive to Covid-19 but will still play in tomorrow’s first T20 against the Windies in Hobart, in line with CA protocols. Marsh will use a separate dressing room during the match and stay distanced while on the field,” cricket.com.au said in a statement.

Australia T20 skipper Mitch Marsh has tested positive to Covid-19 but will still play in tomorrow’s first T20 against the Windies in Hobart, in line with CA protocols. Marsh will use a separate dressing room during the match and stay distanced while on the field. #AUSvWI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 7, 2024

Earlier this week, Marsh was named captain of T20I side for a three-game series against New Zealand, which will be followed by the three games against the Windies.

Australia named a full-strength squad with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Steve Smith all returning to the fray after being rested for the West Indies T20Is.

“The next six games will provide us the opportunity to start shaping what we think our World Cup squad will look like and potential roles within that,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“We will also fully utilise the opportunity to monitor and watch the performances of the Australian players in the IPL (Indian Premier League) immediately preceding the World Cup.”

The games in Wellington and Auckland from February 21-25 are the last in the format for Australia before the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States and West Indies in June.

Australia T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

(With AFP Inputs)