Categories: Sports

LNP – England in Sri Lanka: Mickey Arthur ’positive’ Joe Root’s side will travel

England captain Joe Root and his side left Sri Lanka in March, before the two-Test series could begin Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur says he is “really positive” about the prospect of England being able to tour in early 2021.

Two Tests scheduled to be played in March this year were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m hoping we can fulfil our fixtures in South Africa in December and then have England over here to start a really busy 2021,” said Arthur.

“Here in Sri Lanka there is a strong drive to get the game going.”

Sri Lanka have not played since a Twenty20 against West Indies on 6 March, while England were able to fulfil their summer schedule behind closed doors and in a bio-secure environment.

None of England’s winter fixtures have been confirmed, but there are plans for limited-overs matches in South Africa in November and a tour of India in February and March.

That would leave scope for the Sri Lanka Tests to take place in January, although Bangladesh have recently called off their tour over the Sri Lankan government’s requirement for visiting teams to quarantine for 14 days in hotels without the provision to train.

In the bio-secure bubble in England, teams were able to train while they served their quarantine period.

South African Arthur said: “We had two months of total lockdown – proper lockdown – meaning solitary confinement and the army outside patrolling the streets.

“But after all that we sit here in a country that is basically normalised.

“We need to get cricket up and running otherwise we may as well shut the whole thing down and wait for a vaccine.”

Thanuka

Recent Posts

LNP – Some 400 vehicles stuck at Customs due to import rule change: VIAL

The Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) claimed today that around 400 vehicles have been…

2 mins ago

LNP – Not possible to mete out justice on behalf of Easter attack victims in a month or two: Minister

It is not possible to mete out justice for those who were affected by the…

7 mins ago

LNP – Court issues warrant on third witness in Mrs. World Pageant incident

Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali, today issued a warrant on Asha Basnayake, the third witness…

11 mins ago

LNP – Sri Lanka’s first supermodel Akushla Sellayah passes away

Sri Lanka’s first supermodel, fashion icon Akushla Sellayah, has passed away.

13 hours ago

LNP – Health workers to launch 24-hour strike tomorrow

The Association of Health Professionals has announced that it will proceed with its planned 24-hour…

14 hours ago

LNP – Smart board project for 1,000 schools failed to meet objectives – PM Harini

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the project to distribute smart boards for 1,000…

18 hours ago