Australian players, coaches, officials and commentators escape India

All but one of the Australian cricketers, coaches, officials and commentators who had been trapped in COVID-ravaged India have escaped.

Commentators Neroli Meadows and Brett Lee on the flight out of India

All but one of the Australian cricketers, coaches, officials and commentators who had been trapped in COVID-ravaged India following the suspension of the IPL have escaped.

Only former Test batsman Mike Hussey, who has the virus, remains behind while 37 others are on a chartered plane bound for the Maldives.

Pictures have emerged on social media of players and commentators on the plane dressed in masks and hazmat suits on the plane. Commentator Neroli Meadows posted a picture of her and former bowler Brett Lee with the caption “operation#GetHome????”.

Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association confirmed on Thursday afternoon the Australians were in the air and thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India for their help.

Cricket Australia said the Australians would remain in the Maldives until the ban on flights from India to Australia had been lifted.

“As previously stated, CA and the ACA are not seeking an exemption from the Australian Government,” CA said in a statement.

Hussey’s IPL franchise is seeking to book him an air ambulance to Chennai in a bid to support his recovery from COVID-19.

The Chennai Super Kings are keen for Hussey to be as close to head office as possible in the 10 days he must spend in quarantine and are investigating flight options so he could travel separately from his teammates into the franchise’s home city.

Hussey is reportedly suffering mild COVID symptoms and faces 10 days quarantine in India and another 14 when he returns to Australia following the cancellation of the IPL.

CA and the ACA said tjhey would work closely with the BCCI to ensure Hussey’s safe return.