Coronavirus shrouds India-Sri Lanka ODI series
The limited overs series between India and Sri Lanka will no longer start on the already scheduled schedule (July 13). Sri Lanka’s batting coach Grant Flower and data analyst GT Niroshan were found positive. After this the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Sri Lanka decided to postpone it for a few days. It is believed that this series may now start from July 17.
According to the first schedule, the first match of the ODI series was to be held on July 13, the second on July 16 and the third on July 18. After this the T20 series was to be played. The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) has now proposed to the BCCI to conduct 3 ODIs on 17, 19 and 21 July. At the same time, T20 matches can be played on 24, 25 and 27 July. Now BCCI has to decide on this.
Batting coaches and analysts have been infected with the Delta variant
What is worrying for Sri Lanka is that both batting coach Grant Flower and analyst GT Niroshan have tested positive for the delta variant. This variant of corona is more contagious and dangerous. Sri Lankan players were to come out of isolation on Friday itself but now the team will have to wait for two more days.
Meanwhile, there will be another RT PCR test of all the players and support staff. Only after their result will it be decided which players will take part in the series against India.
Two more groups of players in the bio bubble
In view of this situation of Corona, the Sri Lankan board has already prepared an alternate plan. Two more separate groups of players are placed in the bio bubble. One group is present in Colombo and the other in Dambulla. If needed, the players present in these groups can be fielded in the series against India.
Too soon to say anything
A medical staff of the Sri Lankan team said that it is too early to say which players will play against India. The board and medical team are keeping a close watch on the situation. Something can be said after the result of the next round of RT PCR test.
