Sri Lanka squad test negative for Covid-19

By Bipin Dani

The 24-member Sri Lanka squad for the limited over series in England have tested negative for Covid-19, it is learnt, with a fourth round of tests to be carried out on Thursday. 

The first and third round of testing have been conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) while the second and fourth rounds of testing being undertaken by the United Kingdom government. 

The tour will begin with a three-match T20I series starting on June 23, followed by three ODIs. 

Meanwhile, the red ball cricketers have received their second dose of Covid-19 vaccinations. 

Prof. Arjuna de Silva, the Chairman of the Medical Panel of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), confirmed this, saying, “There were 24 players and two national physios (one being Ajantha Wattegama) who were given the second dose of Sputnik V vaccination.”

"The list included all Test players including captain Dimuth Karunratne and senior players like Angelo Mathews etc. and also, few white ball players who are not part of the current England tour.”

The first dose of the same vaccination were given to them on May 8. The entire process was also supervised by Dr. Daminda Attanayake. 

"The players were given the consent sheet and all of them voluntarily agreed to be vaccinated,” a source said.