DERBY: Uncapped spinner Kashif Bhatti has rejoined the Pakistan squad in England after self-isolating following a positive test for novel coronavirus (Covid-19), it was announced on Thursday.

Pakistan are in England preparing for the three-Test series starting in Manchester on Aug 5, with those matches set to be followed by three Twenty20 Internationals.

“Kashif Bhatti has been cleared to return to the squad after undergoing a precautionary period of self-isolation,” said an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman. “The player had returned a positive test result for the remnants of a previous Covid-19 infection and in consultation with Public Health England and a virologist, a safety-first approach was taken to isolate the player.

“The player has since returned two negative tests with no risk of infection to other players and staff.”

Thursday’s announcement came on the same day that England fast bowler Jofra Archer was ruled out of the ongoing second Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford after breaching bio-security regulations.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2020