The Ashes: England and Australia return negative tests before third day of third Test

Last updated on 37 minutes ago.

The players from England and Australia all returned negative Covid-19 tests before the start of the third day of the Test.

The families of both sets of players took the tests and came back negative.

The start of the game in Australia was delayed by 30 minutes after some England support staff and family members tested positive.

There are six confirmed cases in the touring group.

The game is being played at the MCG.

England was trailing Australia by 51 runs in the second half of the game.

The tourists need to win in Melbourne to have a chance of regaining the urn.

The living arrangements for England players and staff have been changed because of Covid rates.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley addressed concerns about the final two Test matches on Monday.

There are increasing cases in the community and we are being extra vigilant. He told a news conference that the protocols were designed for the set of events.

The players have been great, we have comprehensive testing regimes. Everyone has to take personal responsibility.

We will keep working hard to make sure everyone is safe.