NEWS
Follow UsSydney Sixers wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe has been ruled out of the Challenger Final at the SCG against Adelaide Strikers after testing positive for Covid-19. He will also miss the final of the tournament if his team were to progress.
This is a fresh blow for the Sixers after the Edwards brothers - Jack and Mickey - too returned with positive Covid-19 tests. Jay Lenton, another wicketkeeper-batter, who has been travelling with the Sixers squad as the assistant coach since the beginning of the month has been named Philippe's replacement.
Philippe and the Edwards are currently in isolation as they begin their recovery from the virus.
Daniel Hughes too is unlikely to feature against the Strikers after injuring his left ankle during warm-up.
"He's obviously one of their main strikers at the top of the order and one that we always put a lot of time into with our bowling plans," opening batter Matt Short said on Philippe
"A huge out for them. Our attention shifts to some of the guys that might come in and our plans towards them.
"We've been pretty lucky this season with only one positive case in the squad … we've gotten onto a bit of a roll now so hopefully that can keep going."
The winner of today's match between the Strikers and Sixers will play the final against Perth Scorchers at Docklands on Friday (January 28).
