COVID ALL- CLEAR FOR ENGLAND TEST SQUAD
ENGLAND breathed a sigh of relief as they finally got their tour of Sri Lanka under way with their first training session.
Moeen Ali remained the only positive Covid- 19 case after tests of the squad from Tuesday came back negative and meant they could escape their hotel rooms in Hambantota for the first time since arrival. “We had a good day with the lads pretty keen to get out there after a few days in quarantine,” said batsman Zak Crawley. “We really enjoyed it.
“We had our first day of training after all testing negative. Only Moeen was positive unfortunately for him. It was a huge relief to be able to come here. I was very excited to get out of England,
come over here and play some cricket.
“We’re very lucky to be able to do that at this time when other people can’t do a lot. I feel very fortunate we can come out here and play.”
Crawley admitted his thoughts were with the two players confined to their rooms, with Moeen showing mild symptoms.
Chris Woakes is the other man isolating as a close contact on the drive to the airport from Birmingham, hoping that the virus doesn’t appear after a time lag.
Moeen was due to spend his time in another facility near Galle where the Tests take place, but ECB chief medic Dr Nick Peirce declared it unsuitable so he will stay in a separate part of the hotel in Hambantota.
Crawley added: “I feel for Mo. It’s one of those viruses where people like us, who are young and fit, don’t know we have it until we’re tested.”