Sri Lanka has a very big problem before the first ODI against India. Team Sri Lanka might not get any chance to do intense practice before the match. The reason behind Sri Lanka not being able to do net practice is the mandatory quarantine. The Lankan team is currently finishing quarantine which will end on 12th July. On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan-led Indian side has already participated in two intrasquad games. Meanwhile, the first ODI is all set to begin on 13th July at Colombo.
Reportedly, the Sri Lanka management has already isolated the players who came back home after finishing the series against England. All the cricketers will have to complete the compulsory 7-day quarantine before the series. The Sri Lanka squad returned to the home on 6th July after completing the England series and they were tested on arrival. However, the entire squad was later found covid-19 negative. But the Lankan batting coach Grant Flower was found covid-19 positive which has increased problems for the management.
“We can’t help the situation. These are the kind of times we are living in, the 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 a net session before 1st game against India. The good part is none of them have tested positive in the 1st test”, declared Pramodya Wickramasinghe, Selector of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Team Sri Lanka’s mandatory quarantine before the series
Notably, the quarantine norms for the national team is completely different than local norms. Local norms suggest 14 days quarantine is necessary but the team Sri Lanka has to complete only 7 days quarantine. Adding further in the first 3 days,players will be locked inside hotel rooms. Meanwhile the players can freely use hotel’s Gym and Pool after the first 3 days. Also, players will be allowed to participate in outdoor activities only after 7 days. This means Lankan players can move out on 12 July 2021.
So the team will directly participate in the ODI match against India on 13th July without net sessions.
“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 the completion of quarantine” Mohan de Silva, secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) told InsideSport.co
De Silva was asked about announcement regarding the Sri Lankan squad for the series. However De Silva didn’t reveal much and told they will decide on Friday.
“We will name the team soon, we are observing the situation and will decide by end of the day on Friday”, said De Silva.
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