Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series to go ahead as per schedule

Bangladesh are all set to host Sri Lanka for the three-match ODI series and the first match is all set to take place today (May 23). However, the doubts started hovering over the series when multiple players of Sri Lanka tested positive for the COVID-19. Isuru Udana, bowling coach Chaminda Vaas and uncapped pacer Shiran Fernando returned positive results ahead of the opening ODI.

However, in the latest turn of events, it has been made clear that the series between the two nations will go ahead as per schedule. The affected players were immediately isolated and now have returned negative results too. As per the reports, Vaas and Udana who tested positive earlier (May 18) have tested negative from their samples collected on May 22.

JUST IN: The BAN-SL series will go ahead despite Shiran Fernando testing positive for COVID-19.

Vaas and Udana had tested positive as per the sample collected on May 18 but returned negative tests from the sample collected on May 22.@a_atifazam ✍🏻https://t.co/julJNSFDKM

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 23, 2021

All the three ODI are set to take place in Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium due to safety concerns and bio bubble protocols. Bangladesh will be favourites to clinch the series this time around against the inexperienced Lanka side. However, it has to be kept in mind that Bangladesh travelled to the island nation last month for the Test series and got defeated.

Kusal Perera will be leading the inexperienced Sri Lanka side

It is already a known fact that big names and experienced players of Lanka including the likes of Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Lahiru Thirimanne have been dropped for the series. Fresh faces have been welcomed for the series and it will be a thing to see how they take up the responsibilities. Kusal Perera has replaced Dimuth Karunaratne as Lanka’s ODI skipper for the series.

“The bubble in Dhaka is compromised as Chaminda Vaas, Isuru Udana, and Shiran Fernando test positive for COVID. The three-match series that was supposed to start today is in doubt. Team awaiting results of second PCR test,” stated the reports earlier.

Tamim Iqbal and company looks strong enough on the paper this time to get the series in their favour with Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman being welcomed back in the side. On the other hand, big guns like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah are already on the hosts’ side.