Coronavirus: England Test series in Sri Lanka postponed

ECB bringing players home 'as soon as possible'

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - MARCH 13: England captain Joe Root leads his team from the field after the tour match between SLC Board President's XI and England abandoned at P Sara Oval on March 13, 2020 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

England captain Joe Root leads his team from the field after the tour match between SLC Board President's XI and England was abandoned on Friday. Getty

The National

Mar 13, 2020

England's two-Test series in Sri Lanka has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Friday.

The first Test was scheduled to start in Galle on March 19 and the second game set for Colombo from March 27.

Delhi Capitals bowler Sandeep Lamichhane of Nepal celebrates after dismissing Kings XI Chris Gayle during the 2019 Indian Premier League. AFP

Indian Premier League: Start date postponed over coronavirus fears

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic worsening globally, and after discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have made the decision to return our players to the UK and postpone the forthcoming series between Sri Lanka and England," ECB said in a statement.

"At this time, the physical and mental wellbeing of our players and support teams is paramount. We will now look to bring them home to their families as soon as possible.

"These are completely unprecedented times, and decisions like this go beyond cricket."