England are hopeful that Ben Foakes will be ready to face India at Edgbaston on Friday
(Picture: PA)Ben Foakes has tested positive for Covid-19, though England remain hopeful that he will be fit for the forthcoming Test against India at Edgbaston.
For now, Sam Billings will replace the Surrey wicket-keeper/batter for the final two days of the third Test against New Zealand, with England trailing by 137 runs but in the ascendancy as they target a series sweep after a crucial late burst of wickets at Headingley on Saturday evening.
Billings made his Test debut against Australia in Hobart during the Ashes debacle earlier this year and was initially due to play for Kent at The Oval today, only to embark upon an overnight dash north in preparation for his second cap.
Foakes was unable to keep wicket in Leeds yesterday, with Jonny Bairstow donning the gloves instead, after complaining of back stiffness and later testing positive for Covid after further medical assessment.
There are no other positive coronavirus cases in the England camp, with optimism that Foakes will return in time for the rescheduled fifth Test against India, which starts on Friday.
India captain Rohit Sharma is also in a race against time to be fit for Edgbaston, having also contracted Covid and entered into a period of self-isolation.
