The ACT Meteors are facing further delays to their Women's National Cricket League campaign after a member of their pathway squad tested positive for COVID-19.
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Most Meteors players and several Cricket ACT staff members have been forced into isolation until late Thursday, after coming into contact with the infected player at training last week.
All Meteors players have since tested negative, but have been advised to lay low for a week after their mandatory isolation period ends, as per ACT health guidelines.
That effectively rules out traveling to Melbourne for next Thursday's season opener against Victoria at Junction Oval, which Cricket Australia have opted to reschedule for early in the new year.
It will mark the second time in two season the Meteors haven't started their WNCL season until after the festive period. A rescheduled fixture will likely be announced on Thursday, expected to be in early to mid January.
"The girls just want to play cricket, it's similar to last year," Meteors coach Jono Dean said.
"It was going to happen. If it wasn't going to be us it was going to be the Breakers or Victoria or whoever else. We need to get games in when we can, because this stuff's not going away."
The positive Covid test has also forced the cancellation of Thursday's trial match against the NSW Breakers, while Cricket ACT cautiously opted to close its office during the enforced isolation period.
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Most Meteors players had returned to preseason training following their Women's Big Bash League commitments, during which several of Dean's charges starred with bat and ball.
"We saw in terms of performances across the board there were good contributions from players, Katie Mack was outstanding which was not surprising, she's elevated her status to proper elite status and she should be rewarded for that," Dean said.
"Nicola Hancock had some really good contributions through the tournament, she bowled fast, she swung the ball. Maddie Penna had some contributions.
"Everyone played a role, some didn't get the opportunity they wanted but that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.
"The feedback we got out of the WBBL franchises was they really loved having our people around.
"We pride ourselves as an organisation as having really good people.
"I'm really pleased they showed that when they were away."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
