The start of day two at the MCG was thrown into chaos following four positive covid tests in the England tour party.
Day two was delayed by 30 minutes after the remainder of the playing group all provided negative results meaning they could travel to the ground and get on with the rest of the game.
It is understood not to be a player involved yet, but rather two members of the support staff and two family members of the group.
The entire tour party was forced to isolate themselves in their hotel rooms until a full round of testing could be done, but these were only the less sensitive lateral flow tests.
Just an hour before England were due to take the field, their players were holed up in the Park Hyatt hotel just a short walk away from the ground awaiting news of their lateral flow tests after a single positive, but three further cases suggests the virus is spreading through the group.
The initial negative results came as a relief to players and administrators, although there remains concerns with PCR tests now scheduled, and expected to pick up further cases.
Cricket Australia said in a statement: "Cricket Australia has been informed that two members of the England Cricket Team’s support staff and two of their family members have returned a positive COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. The affected individuals are currently isolating.
"The entire playing group and all other support staff have undertaken Rapid Antigen Tests this morning and all have tested negative.
"The England Cricket team will also have PCR tests today, and both teams will take extra precautions throughout play. Both playing squads remain unchanged.
"There is currently no further impact on fans or other parts of the venue. Cricket Australia and the MCC will continue to monitor the situation and follow the endorsed Victorian Government COVID-Safe Event Plan."
All players, support staff and families shared a Christmas lunch together in St Kilda the day before the game and concerns that it may well have been a super spreader event are now at the forefront of Cricket Australia's minds.
There has also been a positive case reported in the Channel 7 commentary team following on from one in the Fox Sport production team last week.
As a result both main broadcasters have split their crews in half to ensure that the TV productions can continue throughout the Tests in Melbourne and Sydney even if it is done remotely.
