Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and throwdown specialist Dayanand Garani tested positive for COVID-19, while three others were placed in precautionary isolation as the dreaded virus hit the Indian cricket team ahead of next month’s Test series against England.

Bharat Arun, Saha isolated

Bowling coach Bharath Arun and reserve wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha were put in isolation for having come in contact with Garani along with standby opener Abhimanyu Easwaran. It is learnt the Arun, Easwaran and Saha have all tested negative but have to follow the UK Government’s health safety protocol. All five are currently in London while the rest reached Durham on Thursday after reassembling from a 20-day break. Pant and Saha could both miss India’s practice match, beginning on July 20 against Combined Counties. In that case, KL Rahul will keep.