Mike Hussey: Australian cricket great tests negative to COVID-19 in India

Aussie cricket great Mike Hussey is a step closer to leaving India after returning a negative COVID test.

Mike Hussey has expressed his gratitude to his Indian franchise as he crossed his fingers in hope of a second negative COVID test that would make him a free man.

Hussey has been in isolation in India for most of the week after returning two positive COVID tests but he received better news on Thursday when another test returned negative.

If he returns a second negative test Hussey can leave quarantine.

Hussey, who was flown via air ambulance from Delhi to Chennai by his franchise so he could be closer to head office, said he was indebted to the Chennai Super Kings for their support.

“I am extremely conscious of what is going on in India and feel very fortunate to be so well looked after by the franchise,’’ Super Kings assistant coach Hussey said.

“I am resting in isolation at the moment and will hopefully get another negative test.’’

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Mike Hussey batting in the IPL.

Mike Hussey has been stuck in India.

Flights to Australia recommence on May 15 but he may, if cleared, have the chance to join other commentators and players in the Maldives until the ban ends.

Hussey believes he caught it by sitting next to bowling coach L Balaji who was one of three who first fell ill in the franchise.

Sunrisers Hyderabad director of cricket Tom Moody has flown to Sri Lanka to take up a similar role there with that country’s national side.

There has been some suggestion those from different franchises would remain socially distant at the hotel where the Australians are saying for fear of more positives.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed on Friday the ban, which involved potential jail terms of up to six years for anybody who breached it, would lift on May 15.

“The original decision to put in place that biosecurity order until the 15th of May has proved very effective and it will run its full course until that time without any change,” he said.

“What we will be doing is receiving our first repatriation flight into the Northern Territory as part of the charter arrangements we have … to bring back those first people from India at that time.”

There are 9000 Australians in India who have registered a desire to come home with 900 considered vulnerable.

Only three flights are scheduled to the end of the month once the controversial bans are lifted but there is a chance of adding more, according to the Prime Minister.

Indian cricket authorities have offered to organise a special flight for the cricketers to get home when the ban lifts.

Australian cricket has insisted the government approved travel by the players, staff and commentators has not come at any cost to other stranded Australians and their quarantine on return will be separate to the existing cap.