Photo Credit: ICC
Auckland Aces batsman George Worker has been called into the BLACKCAPS ODI squad as a replacement for Mark Chapman, who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Chapman, who was part of the T20 squad in Napier, flew from Napier to Auckland yesterday and after waking with symptoms this morning, subsequently tested positive for Covid via a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead confirmed the news on arrival in Mount Maunganui.
“It’s really unfortunate for Mark and we’re all really feeling for him at this time,” Stead said.
“He did the right thing in following the health guidelines and getting tested when he did.”
Stead said Worker, who was last with the BLACKCAPS in the UAE in 2018, would join the ODI squad in Mount Maunganui tomorrow morning ahead of training.
“It’s an exciting time for George to be back with the BLACKCAPS and he thoroughly deserves his call up following his strong form in the Ford Trophy.”
The remainder of the squad are unaffected and will continue following the Covid guidelines and completing their daily health-checks.
The BLACKCAPS open the KFC ODI series against Netherlands at Bay Oval on Tuesday.
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
