SLC Employee Working At Premadasa Stadium Tests COVID-19 Positive; Press Box Closed During First T20I vs India

The Press Box of the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was shut down during the first T20I between India and Sri Lanka on Sunday after one SLC employee had returned a positive test for covid-19 before the match.

The home board announced the news late Sunday evening after the match had commenced.

“The ‘Press Box’ at the RPICS was closed for operations during the 1st T20i between Sri Lanka and India, following an SLC employee working in the ‘Press Box’ was found to be Covid ‘Positive’,” the released statement said.

“He was found to be positive during an Antigen Test carried out at the RPICS, Colombo this evening, a few hours, before the commencement of the game. Upon identification, Sri Lanka Cricket decided to close the ‘Press Box’ operations during the 1st T20i game, as per the directions given by the Ministry of Health.

“The ‘Press Box’ is scheduled to resume operations from the 2nd T20i, of the India Tour of Sri Lanka, upon health clearance. The SLC employee who tested positive is currently undergoing medical protocols pertaining to Covid 19,” the statement added.

Suryakumar was amazing to watch, Bhuvi bowled well: Shikhar Dhawan

India captain Shikhar Dhawan lauded the complete effort of the team in their 38-run victory on Sunday to take a series lead. After being inserted into bat first India posted 164 runs on the board with the help of a well carved out fifty from Suryakumar Yadav. Dhawan scored 46 while Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan also played handy cameos.

India’s failure to score quick runs at the end was nullified by the bowlers on a sluggish surface as Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned with four wickets in his bag, a couple of Deepak Chahar, and one each for the rest of the four bowlers.

“He(Surya) is a great player and we enjoy watching him bat. He took the pressure from me and the way he plays calculated shots was amazing to watch,” Shikhar Dhawan said at the post-match presentation ceremony.