Australia captain Pat Cummins received some welcome news Friday when he was allowed to leave Covid isolation in Adelaide and return home to Sydney on a single charter flight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The world's number one Test bowler was ruled out of the second Ashes Test against England just hours before it started on Thursday for being in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Under South Australia state's strict bio-security rules he was required to isolate for seven days but has now been permitted to head home, where he must remain until the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Under the plan approved by SA Health, he will self-drive from isolation and then, with the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and hygiene controls, take a single charter flight," Cricket Australia said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He will continue to observe all isolation requirements in New South Wales."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cummins was at an Adelaide restaurant on Wednesday evening when a person at the neighbouring table was identified as positive for coronavirus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He isolated when he became aware of the situation and has since returned a negative Covid test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australian players are permitted to dine out in small groups under Covid rules in place for the Ashes in Adelaide, but should steer clear of densely populated places.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley insisted Thursday that Cummins had not breached any of their protocols and should be available for the third Test in Melbourne on December 26.<\/p>\r\n\r\n