Sir Ian Botham catches Covid-19 in Australia with Channel 7 covering the Ashes

Sir Ian Botham catches Covid in Australia as he covers the Ashes with Channel 7, as friend and BT Sport commentator David Gower jokes ‘he’ll see if off with a couple bottles of red!’

  • Sir Ian Botham has been covering The Ashes with broadcaster Channel 7
  • They were recently hit by a Covid-19 outbreak around Boxing Day Test match
  • BT Sport commentator David Gower appeared to confirm the news 


Sir Ian Botham has apparently tested positive for Covid-19 in Australia, where he is working with Channel 7 on their Ashes coverage.

BT Sport commentator David Gower appeared to confirm the news as he was overseeing the second day of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney in between England and Australia.

‘He’s good at shaking things off, hip replacements… normally it’s a hangover,’ he joked of his friend. ‘He’ll see it off with a few bottles of red.’

Sir Ian Botham (centre) has apparently tested positive for Covid-19 while in Australia working for Channel 7 on their Ashes coverage 

Presenter Mel McLaughlin (left) tested positive for Covid, meaning pundits Ricky Ponting (right) and Botham were forced to take Covid tests

Presenter Mel McLaughlin (left) tested positive for Covid, meaning pundits Ricky Ponting (right) and Botham were forced to take Covid tests

Channel 7 have been hit by a Covid-19 outbreak that began the day of the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG.

A member of the crew tested positive during routine testing and was asymptomatic and presenter Mel McLaughlin later revealed it was her, despite being double-vaccinated and boostered. 

The 66-year-old Botham and fellow pundit Ricky Pointing were forced to take PCR tests after McLaughlin tested positive and Seven had to change its broadcasting team at the eleventh hour.

David Gower, commentating for BT Sport, appeared to confirm that Botham has Covid-19

David Gower, commentating for BT Sport, appeared to confirm that Botham has Covid-19

At the time, Seven said: ‘Seven is activating its Covid measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff, as well as the broader community, and is working in line with all relevant guidelines and regulations. 

‘We are working closely with the MCG operational team and Cricket Australia. 

‘There have been a number of changes to today’s production schedule, which will be led by Alistair Nicholson, Andy Maher and Jason Richardson with expert comments from Lisa Sthalekar, Brad Hodge, Callum Ferguson, Michael Atherton and Dirk Nannes.’ 



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