The opening match of the upcoming limited-overs series between India and Sri Lanka is likely to be delayed after a couple of Covid-19 cases in the host camp. Originally scheduled to commence on 13 July, the first ODI will now take place on 17 July, as per ESPNCricinfo.
Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower tested positive for the virus after upon his return from England. The whole team was put into self-isolation in Colombo. There was no change in itinerary but the hosts dealt another blow a day later, after their analyst GT Niroshan also contracted the virus. All players, however, have returned negative in their latest RT-PCR tests.
With the first ODI starting on 17 July, the next two games will be played on alternate days. The T20I series will begin on 24 July.
Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka has replaced Kusal Perera as a new captain for limited-overs. Shanaka has earlier led the Sri Lanka team once in a T20I series versus Pakistan. It is understood that Perera was sacked because of differences with the management.