Pakistan-Australia series manages to escape controversy before Karachi Test

The ongoing historic series between Pakistan and Australia managed to escape a considerable big controversy before the second Test in Karachi.

The second Test of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy was played at the National Stadium from March 12 to 16.

According to details, after arriving at the local in Karachi, a controversy related to Covid-19 hit the Australian camp. Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja along with other Australian cricketers and officials had tested positive for Covid-19 but the Australian team management (CA) refused to accept these results.

The series looked in danger as many Australian players would have to isolate themselves.

CA opted to go with the self Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), where the Australian red-ball contingent returned negative results.

The next day, another round of testing was conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) where all the members of the visiting team tested negative for the virus,

After the consultation with PCB's Medical Advisory Board, it was decided to acknowledge the results of the last tests. The issue was handled gracefully and the remaining matches of the series concluded without any hiccups.

Remember, Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf also tested positive for Covid-19 after reaching Karachi but the very next day, he was deemed clear from the virus and played the second Test.

These details were with this correspondent but viewing the journalistic responsibilities, the news was not published during the historic Test series.

It must be noted that Australia won the three-match Test series 1-0 after they claimed a 115-run victory of Pakistan in the final Test in Lahore.

Both teams will now go head to head in the three-match ODI series, starting from March 29. The one-off T20I will be held on April 5.