Sams tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of IPL

Australia allrounder Daniel Sams has tested positive for COVID-19, his Indian Premier League club Royal Challengers Bangalore announced today.

According to RCB, Sams tested negative upon arrival in Chennai on April 3, but a second test on April 7 returned a positive result.

Sams, who is currently experiencing mild symptoms, will now be monitored by the RCB team and follow the BCCI health protocols.

The 28-year-old left Australia on April 1 and arrived in Chennai via Doha and has been made to quarantine for seven days, isolated from his teammates.

In a statement, Cricket Australia (CA) said it was aware of the situation, adding: "CA and the Australian Cricketers' Association will support Sams and work with RCB and the BCCI to ultimately ensure his safe return to Australia". 

Sams is one of five Australians with RCB this season, joining Glenn Maxwell, Dan Christian, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson.

However, while Maxwell and Christian have been training with the the RCB squad, Sams has remained quarantined in his hotel room. Zampa and Richardson are yet to arrive in India to join the Simon Katich-led squad that features superstars Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

The news comes after Mumbai Indians talent scout and wicketkeeping consultant Kiran More tested positive for COVID-19.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the Mumbai squad underwent rapid testing and returned negative results.

"Mr More is currently asymptomatic and has been isolated," Mumbai said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

"Mumbai Indians and Kiran More have followed all the BCCI health guidelines. The MI medical team will continue to monitor Mr More's health and abide by the BCCI protocols."

Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh and Josh Philippe pulled out of the tournament to spend time at home after an intense summer.

Sams made his international debut this summer, against India at the SCG last December, and has added three more caps to his tally. 

The tournament is set to begin on Friday with Mumbai taking on RCB in Chennai.

Don't miss The Heat Repeat on Foxtel, coming April 7. The two-part documentary will also be shown on Kayo and cricket.com.au.