Sri Lankan Pacer Lahiru Kumara Tests Positive For COVID-19 Ahead Of West Indies Tour

Sri Lanka’s express pace bowler, Lahiru Kumara has contracted the COVID-19 virus a couple of days before the squad leaves for the West Indies tour. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) revealed the unfortunate news in a statement on Monday (February 22).

Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies comprises 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 2 Tests. The limited-overs matches will be played from March 3rd to 14th in Antigua followed by the Test series from March 21st. The teams will stay in a bio-secure environment and all the matches will be played behind closed doors.

Lahiru Kumara likely to miss the limited-overs matches against West Indies

Lahiru Kumara was initially named in the 20-man squad for the white-ball matches but is now unlikely to participate in those as he is placed in quarantine. He could be available for the Test series.

“Following PCR Tests carried out on the squad nominated to take part in the ‘White Ball’ segment of the Tour of West Indies, Lahiru Kumara has tested Positive for Covid-19. He was detected during a PCR Tests carried out yesterday (21^st February),” the statement said.

“Immediately upon identification, Lahiru Kumara has been directed to follow the Government’s health protocol laid out on Covid – 19. Sri Lanka Cricket will continue with normal operations, adhering to the stipulated Health Protocols,” the statement added.

The SLC has named Dasun Shanaka as the captain for the T20I series while Dimuth Karunaratne continues as the ODI captain for the Islanders. The board has also appointed legendary former pacer, Chaminda Vaas as their new fast bowling coach.

Sri Lanka’s squad for limited-overs matches against West Indies:

Dasun Shanaka (T20I captain), Dimuth Karunaratne(ODI captain), Danushka Gunathilake, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Matthews, Oshada Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Ramesh Mendis, Ashen Bandara, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

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