England vows to complete Test series in Sri Lanka
England cricket team has vowed to complete their two-Test tour to the island even if any of their players test positive for Covid-19 during the series. England will arrive in Hambantota today and will head straight to the team hotel to complete 10 days quarantine ahead of the first Test in Galle in Jan 14.
Captain Joe Root has insisted that the show must go on this time even if any of the players suffer illness after seeing England’s last two tours – the original trip to Sri Lanka in 2020 March and December’s white-ball tour to South Africa – ended prematurely by the pandemic.
“I don’t think a positive test will automatically bring an end to this tour,” Root was quoted as saying by DailyMail following pre-tour press conference held on Friday.
The tour will feature the strictest of protocols and both teams will be required to spend the entire period in a bio-secure bubble.
“They are decisions that will have to be made by medical staff. It won’t be down to the players even though guys have the option to opt out at any stage if they don’t feel safe.”
“All we have to do is follow the guidelines as best as we possibly can and if we do that we’ll give ourselves the best chance of not being in that situation. We know the protocols if something was to happen.”
England have added psychologist Dr. James Bickley to the touring party to be on hand if any players suffer from the bubble fatigue that affected them last year.
“This is where the culture of the team is really important,” said Root. “That side of things where we’re at as an England group across three teams has to stand up more than ever. You have to be really truthful about what is controlling your emotions and ultimately that comes down to honesty within yourself.”
“Certainly the best way of dealing with our situation is to use people around us in the squad. Use our team-mates, use the psychologists out there and make sure you give yourself the best chance of going out on the pitch and perform. If there are elements of the bubble you can’t deal with no-one will hold it against you if you need to get out.”
England will play both Tests in Galle.