England was scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, but not it has been called off because of the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus. However, the boards have mutually decided to reschedule it for a later date. The decision was made when the visitors were midway through their final four-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Board XI.
Talking about the same, an ECB spokesman said, “After overnight discussions between our teams in Sri Lanka and the SLC, the decision has been made to postpone the series and bring players and support staff home. Our aim will be to reschedule the series.”
Despite the fact that the outbreak of coronavirus in Sri Lanka is currently less intense than in the UK, it is understood that England’s desire to get home was a key factor in the decision.
ALSO READ: Delhi Government Says No To Any IPL Match In The Capital
Describing the same, the board said, ”Due to the COVID-19 pandemic worsening globally, and after discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have today made the decision to return our players to the UK and postpone the forthcoming Test series between Sri Lanka and England. At this time, the physical and mental wellbeing of our players and support teams is paramount. We will now look to bring them home to their families as soon as possible. We look forward to returning to Sri Lanka in the very near future to fulfill this important Test series.”
The decision will affect the monetization part for Sri Lanka as their large numbers of traveling supporters – some 3000 fans were due to begin flying in this week. With World Test Championship points at stake in these two Tests, the cancellation has been made with the understanding that the series will take place in the near future.
England’s next scheduled Test series is against West Indies in June, which also seems to be in a jeopardy with Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK’s chief scientific adviser, saying on Wednesday that the anticipated peak of the virus in the UK is “10-14 weeks away, maybe slightly longer”.
WATCH – Ferguson Searching The Cricket Ball In The Empty Stands
The first of England’s three-match Test series against West Indies is scheduled for June 4 at The Oval, a date that is currently 12 weeks away, in the middle of the expected peak period. West Indies’ opening tour match is set for May 22, against England Lions at Taunton.
