Mickey Arthur Hopeful of Sri Lankan Players Training From June 1

Sri Lanka head coach Mickey Arthur has displayed his optimism about his players to begin training from next month under biosecure venues. The former Pakistan coach hopes that the group can resume training, provided they receive the green signal from their government. The English Cricket Board (ECB) had already announced the previous week that the men’s team would start preparation this week, hoping to host West Indies in July.

Also Read: England Bowlers To Resume Individual Training This Week As ECB Plans Its Return After The COVID-19 Crisis

The last taste of international cricket that the fraternity witnessed was in March when Australia took on New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Sri Lanka were slated to host a two-Test series against England in March, which was also called off for now due to growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Their series against South Africa has also been postponed.

During an interaction with ESPN Cricinfo, Mickey Arthur claimed that their management had a quick meeting about getting their plans in place from the 1st of June. It is understood that once the clearance needs to come from their ministry of health to receive a boost to their plans.

“Last Wednesday we had a quick meeting because we are starting to get our plans in place for June 1. Once we get the official go-ahead from the ministry of health I will start putting meat into that structure with the captains and my support staff.” 

Mickey Arthur hopes for the full squad to join from the 20th of June:

The 52-year old went on to say that initially, a smaller group of players would train, specifically the fast bowlers, who would need more time to find their rhythm. Mickey Arthur opined that the comeback of the remaining players would depend upon the authorizations of their medical staff of the biosecure environment.”

“It is looking good with the health ministry, but it will be a smaller group. We’ll probably prioritise our fast bowlers because they are the ones who are going to need more time to get back into it. Once we get some assurances from the medical staff around the world that biosecure (environment) is fine and what the virus could do to you potentially if you got it. And then hopefully after the first 20 days of June we could virtually have our whole squad back training.” the South African-born added.

Also Read: PCB Agrees To Send A 25-Man Squad To England In July For The Bilateral Series