Abandoning Sri Lanka Tour Was The Only Option Left: Joe Root

England’s Test captain Joe Root has opened up on the England-Sri Lanka tour being called off due to the coronavirus pandemic which has ravaged the world.

England had to play a series of two Test matches at Sri Lanka, the first game of which was scheduled to take place from March 19. But, seeing the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic, the tour was called off on Friday.

An official source of the England Cricket Board (ECB) claimed that we had some lengthy overnight discussions with Sri Lankan Cricket before arriving at a decision. They have made a call to bring the players and the support staff back home.

Now, English skipper, Root has opened up on the tour being called off stating that there was no other option.

Joe Root Opens Up On Sri Lanka Tour Being Called Off

Speaking to the PA news agency ahead of England’s flight home Root said: “There was an element of relief. The right decision has been made. You could see looking at the players that their minds were elsewhere thinking about people back home. Now that we can go and look after families and be with loved ones that’s put a lot of guys at ease.”

“Naturally there was a lot of talk in the dressing room and it got to a stage where it overshadowed the cricket. Looking at how quickly things have happened at home, you’re thinking about family and friends who might be a bit more vulnerable and that’s hard when you’re a long way away,” he added.

 

“It was clear it was getting in the way of performance and affecting the mental well-being of the guys.”

Cricket World Faces The Wrath Of Coronavirus Pandemic

The IPL 2020 has been postponed till April 15 due to the coronavirus spread across the country. To the disappointment of the cricket fans, the India-South Africa ODI series has also been called off.

Apart from it, the Road Safety World Series has also been suspended.

All the English players playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have been called back immediately and the tournament now faces a high chance of being postponed.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Shah Rukh Khan Hopes The Coronavirus Subsides And Show Goes On