Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood amusedly shooed away his COVID-19-afflicted teammate, Cameron Green, during team celebrations at the Gabba on Thursday after West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed on Day 1 of the second Test. Cameron Greenn followed safety procedures even though he was sick by keeping a safe distance from Hazlewood and performing a “air fist bump” without making actual contact. Hazlewood was in high spirits as he made a playful motion to Green telling him to stay back as the squad celebrated.
In cricket, the Australian bowlers held a firm hold on the new ball after winning the toss and choosing to field first. Brathwaite, who was inconsistent throughout the series, had a tough innings and was given two review requests before he was dismissed for just four runs by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. It was traditional for the Australian squad to assemble to celebrate the wicket, and Cameron Green joined in from a distance.
Josh Hazlewood in particular maintained his excellent form by getting rid of Brathwaite twice in a row.
The 24-year-old must maintain social distance both on and off the field as she fights the COVID-19 virus. Travis Head had tested positive for the virus after the initial test, but he has subsequently returned negative. Green and head coach Andrew McDonald are still working through the virus’s recovery process, though. The playful banter between Hazlewood and Green brought some humor to the serious situation surrounding the Australian team’s persistent COVID-19 issues.
This is the incident’s video:
Hazlewood shoos away the Covid-positive Green! 🤪 #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/iQFbbKfpwV
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 25, 2024
COVID-19 infected Green fights for atonement at Gabba
As long as he followed the required procedures, the all-round player was cleared to play. Social distancing techniques were on display from the opening national anthem, when Green stood a few feet apart from the other members of the team. Green had a quiet innings in the first Test at Adelaide, when he moved up to No. 4 after Steve Smith was moved up in the batting order. He scored 14 runs off of 27 deliveries.