Sri Lanka Pacer Nuwan Thushara Tests Positive For Covid-19 Ahead Team's Departure For Australia T20Is

Nuwan Thushara, the uncapped Sri Lankan pacer has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia down under. The Sri Lankan squad for the series is slated to depart for Australia on February 3^rd. Apart from Thushara, Dilshan Fonseka, the team trainer, has also tested positive for COVID-19.

ESPNCricinfo reported that Thushara had returned a positive result six days ago. His second RT-PCR test is scheduled for Tuesday, the seventh day from the initial test. The 27-year-old is currently asymptomatic and also confirmed that no one else from the travelling party had been in close contact with Thushara.

“His second RT-PCR test is scheduled for Tuesday, the seventh day from the initial test, but with the team set to fly out on February 3, SLC and its medical team will have to decide whether Thushara can travel with the rest of the squad or not,” said the report.

According to the head of SLC’s medical department, Prof Arjuna de Silva, even in the event of a negative test on Tuesday, Thushara would need to undergo further tests before getting clearance to play.

“We haven’t still decided on that [his inclusion in the travelling party]. Generally, under normal protocol, we do a cardiac and lung assessment [prior to clearing a player]. If we send him with the team, assuming his second PCR comes back negative, we will then have to assess him in Australia before he plays,” De Silva was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Nuwan Thushara To Rejoin The Sri Lankan Squad On February 10^th: Sri Lanka Cricket Board

Nuwan Thushara came into the limelight for his slingy bowling action, which reminded the fans of legend Lasith Malinga. He was also amongst the top three wicket-takers in the recent Lanka Premier League (LPL) edition, where he picked 12 wickets across eight matches with an economy rate of 8.11 for Galle Gladiators.

However, the Sri Lankan cricket board released a statement that Thushara and team trainer Dilshan Fonseka will rejoin the team on February 10.

“Both of them are currently undergoing COVID-19 protocols and will rejoin the squad on the 10th of February, upon completion of the protocols,” said a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to play five T20Is in Australia from February 11 to 20, with the first two matches in Sydney. The action then moves to Canberra for the third game, followed by Melbourne hosting the last two matches.

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