Covid: India’s series against Sri Lanka rescheduled

Sri Lanka's batting coach Grant Flower and data analyst G T Niroshan have tested positive for the virus on return from the United Kingdom, which has forced Sri Lanka Cricket to extend the hard quarantine period

New Delhi: The Indian limited-overs team’s six-match series against Sri Lanka was on Friday rescheduled owing to Covid-19 positive cases in the home team camp, with the first ODI now starting on July 17 instead of July 13.

Sri Lanka’s batting coach Grant Flower and data analyst G T Niroshan have tested positive for the virus on return from the United Kingdom, which has forced Sri Lanka Cricket to extend the hard quarantine period from the stipulated three days.

“Yes, the series will now start from 17th of July instead of 13th. The decision was taken in consultation with SLC keeping the safety and security of players in mind,” a senior BCCI official said, confirming the development. While Niroshan’s conformation was given on Friday, Sri Lanka’s batting coach Flower tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, 48 hours after the squad’s arrival from England.

All the other players who are quarantining have also been tested. Before testing negative, Sri Lanka’s squad had faced an anxious wait for the results of their PCR tests on returning home, following a Covid-19 outbreak in the England squad after the final match of their tour in Bristol on Sunday.