A team of ‘limited-overs specialists’, also defined as a second-string unit b Arjuna Ranatunga, has been selected by India for the tour of Sri Lanka. But, just days ahead of the first ODI in Colombo, it seems like it would be the Indian team that will have an advantage.
Sri Lanka, despite being the hosts, are not expected to get a single practice session under their belt ahead of the series-opener as the entire squad is presently in quarantine. The quarantine period of the team will conclude on July 12 while the series will begin the very next day.
The Lankan health authorities have quarantined the players who returned from the UK after as many as 7 members of the England camp had tested positive for Covid-19. Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower had also returned a positive RT-PCR test.
“We can’t help the situation. These are the kind of times we are living in, team will have to follow all health protocols as directed by the authorities. Yes it is correct the players who will be selected from the squad who were in England are unlikely to get net session before 1st game against India. The good part is none of them have tested positive in the 1st test”, said Pramodya Wickramasinghe, Selector of Sri Lanka Cricket.
The Lankan players who returned from the England tour set to remain in quarantine for 7 days, of which the first three days will be the hardest, with movement outside the hotel rooms disallowed. The next four days, players can use the gym and pool.
“They can only train in the hotel as it has facilities, which can be of some help helpful. Outdoor activity would only be possible after completion of quarantine” a top SLC official told said.
