Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower tests positive for COVID-19

Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.

The development comes three days after the squad returned from their tour of England while the Sri Lankan cricket team prepares for a home series against India. 

“Immediately upon identification, Flower was isolated from the rest of the team members who are undergoing quarantine following their return from England,” the Sri Lankan cricket board said in a statement.

Flower showed “mild symptoms”, prompting a Covid-19 test, it added.

“We have to find out how Flower got infected, and also which variant of the virus he has been infected with,” a member of Sri Lanka’s medical staff told ESPNcricinfo.

This news comes in the wake of seven members of England’s squad and support staff testing positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday.

The development has forced England’s entire squad into isolation, and the ECB had to name an entirely new squad for the series against Pakistan.

While three Sri Lankan players, who violated their bio-secure bubble just before the start of their one-day international series in Durham, were recalled and are facing disciplinary action.