Australian cricket star Travis Head will miss the next Ashes test match in Sydney after contracting Covid-19. 

Cricket Australia confirmed the batter is asymptomatic but returned a positive PCR test and will remain in Melbourne to isolate for seven days. 

A Cricket Australia spokesperson said: "As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily. Unfortunately, Travis returned a positive Covid-19 result earlier today. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic at this stage. We anticipate that he will be available to play in the fifth Ashes test in Hobart. 

"We are grateful to our exceptional medical staff for all the work they have done throughout this series and we will continue to work with and support the players, their families and staff from both teams." 

Australia and England are both due to fly from Melbourne to Sydney today but the home team's flight has been delayed. 

Meanwhile, Code cricket writer Daniel Cherny reports positive cases have also been identified at several BBL franchises. 

"Players at multiple BBL clubs have tested positive for Covid-19, placing a cloud on the Big Bash League's immediate future," Cherny said on Twitter. 

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