England have suffered a major setback barely two days ahead of their limited overs series versus Pakistan.

Seven members of their ODI contingent have tested Covid-19 positive, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement on Tuesday. The ECB has, however, confirmed that the ODI and T20I series versus Pakistan will continue as planned. The first ODI will be played in Cardiff on July 8.

"Following PCR tests administered yesterday (Monday) in Bristol, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that seven members - three players and four management team members- of the England Men's ODI party have tested positive for Covid-19. In collaboration with Public Health England, Public Health Wales and Bristol Local Health Authority, those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK Government's protocol on quarantine. The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate," the ECB statement said.

ECB CEO Tom Harrison said, "We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak." The English cricket board has confirmed that the Pakistan series will roll as planned and Ben Stokes will return to lead the newly formed side.

Here's the new England squad:

Ben Stokes (captain), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince

Ashley Giles, managing director of England men's cricket, said, "We're in unprecedented territory, in terms of replacing an entire squad and management team, and I'm very proud of how everyone has come together in order to get it done."