No Barmy Army and journos for SL vs England Tests

When England return for their rescheduled Test series in January, there will be no partying and songs from the Barmy Army, their world- famous support group. Nor will hear our own papare music because the series will be played behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment owing to the current global pandemic.

While the fun, frolic and music of hundreds of fans will be sorely missed, resuming international cricket after nearly 11 months is something to cheer about. The Barmy Army made inquiries about joining the series but were politely turned down by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

“Unfortunately we cannot allow spectators,” said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.

“There had been many inquiries but we cannot bring them down for this series due to health guidelines. We play the series in a bio-secure bubble and we find it difficult to create one for the spectators.”

Since the 1994- 1995 Ashes series, the Barmy Army has become an integral part of England’s cricket culture. Since then, they have travelled along with the English cricket team wherever they go. When England were in Sri Lanka last

March for the series, they came in large numbers to cheer them on but returned home early when the team decided to go back prematurely after the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adding to this is a media “blackout”. SLC said no media will be allowed to cover the series, a major blow to local and international scribes waiting to return to action after a lapse of nearly 11 months.

“We have informed the English and Wales Cricket Board about our decision to bar journalists from attending the games,” de Silva explained.

“They wanted to come but, as in the case of fans, we will find it difficult to create a bubble in order to play a safe series.”

England will play both matches at Galle, the first from January 11-18 and the second from January 22-26.

Root’s men will fly to Sri Lanka on January 2 and – as part of the bio-security arrangements – will train and prepare at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium between January 5 and 9.