West Indies v Ireland: ODI off as Balbirnie and Tucker test positive for Covid

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie top-scored for the visitors by hitting 71 in Saturday's defeat at Sabina ParkGetty Images

Skipper Andrew Balbirnie is among the latest two Ireland players to test positive for Covid-19

Tuesday's second one-day game between West Indies and Ireland in Kingston has been postponed after the Covid-19 cases in the Irish squad increased to five.

Captain Andrew Balbirnie and wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker are the latest Ireland players to test positive along with interim coach David Ripley.

Simi Singh and Ben White missed Saturday's game after positive tests.

With two more Ireland players injured, the prospect of the series being completed now appears in doubt.

The sides are scheduled to meet in the third one-day international at Sabina Park on Friday before the white-ball series concludes with a T20 game at the same venue on Sunday.

Andy McBrine is following concussion protocols after retiring hurt with a head injury on Saturday while all-rounder Mark Adair has a foot injury.

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Simi Singh and Ben White were late withdrawals from the opening ODI in Jamaica after testing positive for Covid

Opening Paul Stirling and Shane Getkake have returned to the Ireland squad following periods of quarantine after testing positive for Covid during Ireland's recent series against USA in Florida.

Covid cases in both squads and among match officials led to the cancellation of the scheduled one-day games in Florida after two T20 contests took place.

A joint statement by Cricket West Indies and Cricket Ireland said that talks were taking place to "explore all possibilities for the series to be completed".

"The five members of the Ireland team who have returned positive Covid-19 results remain in isolation under the care and supervision of the medical teams," added the statement.

Cricket Ireland's chief executive Warren Deutrom added that the Irish governing body are "very aware of the ongoing strains and stresses that playing and travelling during the pandemic have had on our players and staff".

Ireland 'thankful' for West Indies support

"The circumstances are obviously far from ideal, but our players, coaches and support staff have acted in an exemplary manner throughout a tough few days," said the Cricket Ireland chief.

"We are very thankful for the support and cooperation of Cricket West Indies during our stay so far.

"Not only are they hosting this series, but have an Under-19s World Cup starting this week and further internationals ahead this month. However, they have continued to look after our squad and we appreciate their work.

"Over the next 24 hours we will work with the players, coaches, medical teams and Cricket West Indies to explore all possibilities to complete the series safely."

West Indies secured a 24-run win in Saturday's opening game in the one-day series in Jamaica.

England are scheduled to face West Indies in a five-match T20 series later this month following the completion of the Ashes series in Australia.

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