Gun batter Colin Munro has tested positive for COVID-19, while the Brisbane Heat are preparing to welcome back some players on Tuesday
Scorchers dealt COVID blow ahead of Sixers clash
The Perth Scorchers have been dealt a blow leading into the KFC BBL finals with star players Colin Munro and Jason Behrendorff forced into isolation due to COVID-19 protocols.
The table-topping Scorchers announced that Munro - second on the list of run-scorers for BBL|11 - returned a positive PCR test overnight after first noticing symptoms yesterday morning.
Fast bowler Jason Behrendorff was deemed a close contact and is now set for a week in isolation.
Based on the current schedule, a week on the sidelines will see the Scorchers players miss three games and make a return - if both are fit and healthy - in time for the team's final match of the regular season on January 19.
In a statement, the Scorchers said the rest of the team's players and staff – including Behrendorff – returned negative rapid antigen tests this morning.
Tonight's match against the third-placed Sydney Sixers is set to go ahead as scheduled in Coffs Harbour from 7:15pm AEDT.
The League yesterday confirmed all teams will soon relocate to Melbourne in an attempt to combat the COVID-19 outbreaks that have run rampant through clubs.
The Heat were hit by 12 positive cases during the week, but will begin to welcome back players from their isolation period on Tuesday, as long as they produce a negative test and are not displaying symptoms.
But it's not yet clear how many of those players will be ready to return to action for Wednesday's scheduled match against the Strikers at the Gabba so soon after a week of illness and isolation.
The League postponed the match between the Stars and Strikers in Adelaide on Friday night over wellbeing concerns with a majority of the Stars squad - 13 players have tested positive - only exiting isolation the day prior to that scheduled clash.
The Heat were forced to debut eight players for their match against the Renegades during the week and confirmed they will keep their replacement squad players on standby ahead of Wednesday's important contest as they finalise their side.
While most teams are expected to have made their way to Melbourne by tomorrow, the Heat have remained in Brisbane ahead of Wednesday night's game and will make the trip south later in the week.