Australia will be without their leading run-scorer of the Ashes series in Sydney with confirmation Travis Head has tested positive for COVID-19.
The home side lead the five-match series 3-0 and are on track for a whitewash against an England side bereft of confidence and form.
But the urn holders will be minus Head for the fourth test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as he will remain in Victoria with his partner for seven days of self isolation.
The remainder of the Australian squad, their families and support staff have undergone PCR tests and are expected to travel to Sydney later on Friday.
"As part of our testing procedures, we are PCR testing players, their families and our support staff daily," said a Cricket Australia spokesperson.
"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."
Head is averaging 62 through te first three tests, scoring 248 runs including a stunning century to open his campaign in Brisbane earlier this month.
He is expected to be replaced by Usman Khawaja at the SCG although the selectors have added all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, batsman Nic Maddinson and wicket-keeper Josh Inglis as cover, in what Cricket Australia described as a "precautionary measure."
The fourth test is scheduled to get underway on Wednesday, January 5.
