Avishka, Janith tested COVID-19 positive, will miss Zimbabwe ODIs

Avishka Fernando

Janith Liyanage

Two cricketers in the 18-member Sri Lanka squad named for the upcoming three ODI matches against Zimbabwe have tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the series.

Opening bat Avishka Fernando and middle-order bat Janith Liyanage, who was tipped to make his international debut, tested positive following a round of PCR tests on the squad on Saturday.

Interim Manager Chandima Mapatuna said that both players would be withdrawn from the squad and replaced by two others.

While Fernando has got himself admitted to the Nawaloka Hospital, Liyanage has yet to decide whether he wants to isolate in a hospital or at home, said Mapatuna.

Meanwhile Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lanka white-ball captain who contracted the COVID-19 virus, has been cleared to play in the series, while fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who also contracted the virus, has to undergo a PCR test today to get himself cleared to play in the series. He has to undergo several other tests at the Nawaloka Hospital as well.

Mapatuna said that the squad would leave for Kandy today once the players are cleared and the replacement players named. The squad will commence practice from 12 January in preparation for the ODI series commencing on 16 January at Pallekele. (ST)