Australian pacer Kane Richardson returns negative for COVID-19 test

Sydney: Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson was on Friday cleared of coronavirus after his tests returned negative, Cricket Australia said.

The right-arm pacer, who returned with the Australian team from South Africa earlier this week, had informed the medical staff of a sore throat on Thursday and was then sent for a precautionery COVID-19 testing.

However, Richardson's coronavirus test returned negative and he was on his way to the Sydney cricket ground where the first ODI against New Zealand is taking place.

"Kane Richardson has been cleared of contracting coronavirus after he returned a negative result to COVID-19 testing today," cricket.com.au reported.

"He received the all-clear about 8pm AEDT and was released from his hotel room quarantine to travel to the SCG for the opening Gillette ODI against New Zealand."

The 29-year-old was replaced by Sean Abbott in the first ODI against New Zealand.