Moeen Ali Is Unlikely To Play 2-Test Series Against Sri Lanka

Jan 13, 2021 at 12:37 PM

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Moeen Ali Is Unlikely To Play 2-Test Series Against Sri Lanka

Moeen Ali, the all-rounder is unlikely to play the two Tests as England have received a significant setback ahead of their 2 Test series against Sri Lanka. A positive COVID-19 result has ruled Moeen Ali out of England’s first Test against Sri Lanka while he will miss 2nd Test too as isolation period has been extended.

Now, the Sri Lankan authorities and the English team management have agreed to extend his isolation period, which means Moeen Ali will miss the second Test as well.

Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Moeen Ali Will Miss 2nd Test Too As His Isolation Period Is Extended And His Close Contact Chris Woakes Turned Negative And Joined Teammates In Bio-Bubble

The England all-rounder has been away from the team since last Sunday (January 3). The 10-day isolation period will end on Wednesday 13th January, but according to ESPNCricinfo, he will likely join the English squad by Saturday, 16th January.

However, a few days after testing positive for COVID-19, Moeen Ali experienced mild symptoms during the isolation period. Hence the local authorities insisted on extending his quarantine period by two-three days.

Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes. Image Credit: Getty Images.

As Moeen Ali experienced the symptoms of the virus, he could require some time to regain match fitness. Thus the allrounder may not earn a place in the English playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, pace-bowling allrounder Chris Woakes also had to isolate himself, as he was in close contact with Moeen Ali. However, after the isolation period, Chris Woakes returned negative and has joined his teammates in the bio-bubble.

“It was obviously the right thing to do to isolate once I arrived here and figured out Moeen Ali was positive”: Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes described how the English players took every precaution besides trying their best to stay in touch with Moeen Ali during the last few days. He highlighted that even though Moeen Ali experienced some symptoms, he had recovered well now.

Talking about his ‘close contact’ with Moeen Ali in Sri Lanka, Woakes said: “We took all the precautions: we wore masks; kept our distance as much as we could and obviously tried not to touch anything. But you can only be so safe, I suppose. It was obviously the right thing to do to isolate once I arrived here and figured out that Moeen was positive.”

Sri Lanka and England will play 2 Tests at Galle from 14th January to 26th January.

Jofra Archer And Ben Stokes Rested While Angelo Matthews Is Back

Joe Root will captain the England side which consists of comeback man Jonny Bairstow, experienced pacers Stuart Broad and James Anderson while pacer Jofra Archer and all-rounder Ben Stokes have been rested from a strong Test squad. Ben Foakes is backup keeper while injured Ollie Pope will travel to Sri Lanka to continue rehabilitation. There is no return to Test cricket for Adil Rashid yet.

Angelo Mathews
Angelo Mathews (Image Credit: Twitter)

For Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews is set for a Test comeback after missing last month’s South Africa tour with a hamstring injury. The hosts have recalled Nuwan Pradeep, while also calling up the likes of Roshen Silva, Lakshan Sandakan and the uncapped Ramesh Mendis.  Dhananjaya de Silva, Kasun Rajitha, Santhush Gunathilake and Dilshan Madushanka – who were all a part of the South African tour, have been left out.

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