England Test squad ‘exercising vigilance’ in Sri Lanka amid rising political tension and violence

England's cricket squad are "exercising vigilance" and liaising with the British High Commission about rising political tensions in Sri Lanka.

President Maithripala Sirisena last week moved to replace sitting prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and sack the cabinet.

Wickremesinghe's supporters claim that is unconstitutional and the matter escalated over the weekend when former Sri Lanka cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga, who had been serving as oil minister, was involved in a clash of protesters at his former office.

A spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board said: "We are aware of the developments and are in constant contact with the British High Commission. We are exercising vigilance and avoiding all demonstrations or large political gatherings.

"The Test squad is preparing for the first Test and have warm-up matches this week in Colombo. These matches will continue as advertised starting on Tuesday from 10am."

Elsewhere, Jos Buttler is preparing to keep wicket against Sri Lanka while Jonny Bairstow's fitness is monitored "day by day."

"It's day by day with Jonny at the minute," England captain Joe Root told Test Match Special. "He's actually made good strides in the last week or so and he's recovered a little bit quicker than we anticipated.The first Test begins on 6 November in Galle.

ENGLAND TEST SQUAD:Joe Root (Captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Rory Burns, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes

-Independent