A new strain of COVID-19 has jeopardized life in the United Kingdom and it has affected cricket as well. With England asking people from South Africa to self-isolate and Sri Lanka banning flights from the UK, the South Africa-returned England players were left in a frenzy on whether to travel to the island nation or not.
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given confirmation about the same that the England players will be playing a couple of Test matches in Sri Lanka in January 2021. The English players will be arriving in Sri Lanka on 2 January 2021 and play the first Test twelve days later.
ECB said, "Regarding the England men’s test squad and support staff, they will continue to prepare as normal ahead of the Sri Lanka test tour. The touring party is due to leave on Jan. 2, 2021. The ECB will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in respect to international travel and working closely with Sri Lanka Cricket."
The England players that returned home from South Africa have confirmed returning on 10 December and thus won't have to quarantine during this Christmas period. The Sri Lankan team is currently in South Africa though to play two Tests commencing on Boxing Day and 3 January 2021.
This nod of approval confirms two Test matches in Sri Lanka next month starting from 14 January to the last scheduled day of play on 26 January.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
