London: England’s all-rounder Moeen Ali has tested positive for COVID-19 while Chris Woakes has been sent into isolation after being deemed as a ‘possible close contact’.
Moeen’s positive result came after the PCR tests were conducted on the team’s arrival at the airport in Hambantota on Monday 4th January.
“Ali will now observe a period of 10-days self-isolation, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Government’s protocol on quarantine,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.
“Chris Woakes has been deemed as a possible close contact, and he will observe a period of self-isolation and further testing,” it added.
The touring party will be PCR tested for a second time on Tuesday morning. At this stage, the team will train for the first time on Wednesday.
Note, England series against Sri Lanka was postponed in March this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the rearranged tour will now be held behind closed doors in Galle. The first Test will be played on January 14 while the second will start on December 22. – Agencies
