Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower (Photo: Twitter)
Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower (Photo: Twitter)

Former Zimbabwe batsman and current batting coach of the Sri Lanka team Grant Flower has tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 virus, ahead of the India white-ball series. He tested positive after he returned from the England tour with the Sri Lankan players.

Sri Lanka had a crushing tour of England, where they 5 out of 6 white-ball games and would have also lost the sixth one had rained not come to save them in Bristol. Sri Lanka had been bowled out for 161 in the 3rd ODI against England when heavy rain led to the match being abandoned.

Sri Lanka Cricket Team
Sri Lanka Cricket Team (Image Credit: Twitter)

The visitors also garnered negative spotlight during the tour after three players – Sri Lanka’s vice-captain Kusal Mendis, wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella and batsman Danushka Gunathilaka – were spotted breaching the bio-bubble in a local market late night, where they were filmed by a Durham locale.

The three players have been suspended and were not picked for the upcoming India white-ball series by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board. SLC has also formed a five-member panel to inquire about the misconduct allegations on the three said players.

Grant Flower Tests COVID-19 Positive; Entire Sri Lankan Contingent In Quarantine

Just days after the Sri Lanka series, seven players – three players and remaining support staff- of the England team tested positive for COVID-19, which led to the entire England contingent being put in isolation and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had to conjure up an entirely new squad to face Pakistan in their white-ball series, which is being captained by Ben Stokes.

Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower (Photo: Twitter)
Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower (Photo: Twitter)

As batting coach Grant Flower tested positive after landing in Sri Lanka with the entire contingent, all of them were asked to quarantine themselves and instructed to not leave their rooms until further notice.

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Grant Flower falling prey to the virus comes days before the team embarks on the series against India that begins with the first ODI at Colombo on 13th July. However, it is confirmed that the development will not interfere with the tour.

Sri Lanka is due to face India, who are led by Shikhar Dhawan and coached by Rahul Dravid, in a series of three ODIs and three T20Is, with all matches to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The first ODI will begin on July 13 and the first T20I will be played on July 21.

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