Prior to the second Test against Australia in Galle, Sri Lankan spinner Praveen Jayawickrama tested positive and was eventually excluded. The hosts, who were aiming for parity after losing the first Test in three days, are dealt a significant setback.
“The player was found to be Covid positive when he was tested (Rapid Antigen Test) this morning, as he complained of feeling unwell,” an SLC release said on Monday (July 4). “Jayawickrama was immediately isolated from the rest of the team members and now will remain in room isolation for five days.”
The rest of the Sri Lankan team has had tests that have come back negative, and they will play in an effort to tie the series. After Angelo Mathews, Jayawickrama is the second Sri Lankan player to test positive during the first Test. SLC is hoping that Mathews will be able to recuperate in time for the series’ second and last Test, which will start on Friday.
