Sri Lanka physio Brett Harrop tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of South Africa ODIs

Sri Lanka is set to host South Africa for three One-Day Internationals and as many T20Is. The three-match ODI series is set to commence on September 2. But the home team will be without their main physio Brett Harrop who tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t be with Sri Lanka side at least for the ODI series.

It has been reported that Harrop tested positive for the virus earlier this month itself and didn’t join the team hotel. Currently, he is not the part of the set up for the South Africa series and is in quarantine. However, the 42-year-old may join the team for the following T20I series between the two teams if fit.

“He (Brett Harrop) did not join the bio-bubble and has not been with the squad. He is now in quarantine but may be fit enough to be with the team for the three T20Is,” a highly placed source said according to dailymirror.lk.

Meanwhile, Brett Harrop has been replaced by Ajantha Wattegama. It is learnt that Dr KAP Kiriella has also rejoined the Sri Lanka squad after being with the side on the West Indies tour. The chief selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe has also entered the bio-bubble and is in the team hotel now ahead of the series.

Crucial series for Sri Lanka

These are a crucial set of matches for Sri Lanka against South Africa. This will be the last time they will be playing at the international level before the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in October-November in UAE and Oman. The likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera will be featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will join the World Cup squad just before the IPL playoffs. Sri Lanka will have to play the qualifiers from October 17 to make it to the Super 12.

As for South Africa, they have named a full strength squad for the T20I series but rested key players for the ODIs. Even some of their players will join their respective teams in the IPL soon after the series which will end on September 14.