Coronavirus: England cricketer Alex Hales self-isolating with symptoms of the virus

Thirty-one-year-old took to Twitter on Tuesday to release a statement

England cricketer Alex Hales has corrected rumours about him showing symptoms of coronavirus while playing in Pakistan, but admitted on Tuesday to developing a fever and cough after returning home.

It had been reported that Hales developed symptoms of Covid-19 while playing in the Pakistan Super League last week, leading to the competition’s postponement and the Nottinghamshire opener being sent home to self-isolate.

However, Hales took to Twitter on Tuesday to clear up the situation, while urging everyone to “stay safe”.

“In the light of the speculation and rumour that is currently circulating within the cricket world and on social media, I felt I needed to give a full explanation of my situation,” read a statement on the 31-year-old’s profile.

“Like many other overseas players, I reluctantly left the Pakistan Super League early because, with Covid-19 reaching global pandemic status, I felt it was more important to be with my family rather than face a period of lockdown thousands of miles from home.

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“I returned to the UK in the early hours of Saturday morning feeling perfectly fit and healthy and with absolutely no symptoms of the virus.

“However, I awoke early on Sunday morning having developed a fever and followed the government’s advice of self-isolation, a process I am obviously still following having developed a dry and persistent cough.

“At this stage, it has not been possible to be tested, although I am hopeful that might be the case later so that I can get absolute confirmation of my current health status.”

England’s upcoming fixtures against Sri Lanka’s President’s XI have also been cancelled as a result of coronavirus concerns.