Sri Lanka's two white-ball players test positive for COVID-19 while training for West Indies tour

Sri Lanka’s preparation for their upcoming tour of the West Indies has been hit by two positive COVID-19 cases in their camp. According to a report, two Sri Lankan cricketers have been tested positive for the virus. Both the unidentified players were preparing for the upcoming ODI and T20I series, scheduled to be held in the Caribbean.

The Sri Lankan players in three separate teams were training at the Advanced Skills Center set up at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. According to the report in Colombo Page, both of the infected players are also reported to be fast bowlers. The report also stated that there is no connection between the infected players and the players participating in the ongoing Test series against England.

Both the infected players will be transferred to COVID Treatment Centers, according to a release from Sri Lanka Cricket. Following the positive cases, the Sri Lankan health officials are looking to identify other cricketers who have had contact with infected ones. Sri Lanka Cricket stated that not all players have been in direct contact with infected cricket players as the training was conducted in groups.

Sri Lanka’s tour of West Indies

Soon after the conclusion of the ongoing Test series against England at home, Sri Lanka will fly to West Indies for a full-fledged series. Sri Lanka and West Indies will lock horns against each other in two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is in February-March. The Test series will be part of the ICC World Test Championship and the series will be played for the Sobers-Tissera Trophy.

For the time being, Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back after losing the first Test against England. The Islanders lost the series-opener by seven wickets at Galle. The second and last Test of the series will be played at the same venue from January 22. On the other hand, West Indies are in Bangladesh for three ODIs and two Tests.

West Indies started the tour with a crushing loss in the first ODI on Wednesday (January 21). The Caribbean outfit lost the series-opener by six wickets after being bundled for just 132. The second match of the series is scheduled to take place on Friday.