Sydney Sixers on Wednesday confirmed that its wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the final of the BBL 2021-22 against Perth Scorchers.
Philippe’s loss is a big blow to the team as he has been in tremendous form in the tournament. He played a crucial role in the Sixers’ run to the knockouts and scored 429 runs in 15 games at an average of 33. With four half-centuries in the tournament, he sits seventh on the list of most runs in the tournament.
“Missing from the squad is star opener/wicketkeeper Josh Philippe, who earlier today returned a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, with that news following the positive COVID-19 diagnosis received by Jack and Mickey Edwards last week. All three players are in isolation as they recover,” read an official Sydney Sixers statement.
Sixers assistant coach and a wicketkeeper-batter Jay Lenton has been named as the replacement of Philippe.
Along with Philippe, Jack Edwards and Mickey Edwards will also move into isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. The Sixers trio won’t be available for the finals.
Sydney Sixers have dealt with a major blow ahead with in-form Phillippe not there for the big final clash against the Perth Scorchers.
The final of BBL 2021-22 between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers will be played at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne on Friday. Scorchers are the favourites to best the defending champions and lift the trophy as Sixers will be struggling to field an eleven with too many injuries in the camp.
