Kusal Mendis tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Australia series
Kusal Mendis (Image source: Twitter)
Sri Lanka batter Kusal Mendis has tested positive for COVID-19. On February 7, a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) was conducted where Mendis was found positive. This was confirmed by the RT-PCR test as well. The right-hander was placed in isolation. Mendis has returned to the national side after the one-year ban imposed by Sri Lanka Cricket was lifted last month.
Last year, during the tour of England, Mendis, alongside Dhanushka Gunathilaka, and Niroshan Dickwella were banned by the board after the trio was found breaching the bio-bubble protocols. Mendis has played 47 Tests, 82 ODIs, and 29 T20Is. Recently, he played in an ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the board issued a statement confirming Mendis’ positive result.
“Kusal Mendis, who is with the touring Sri Lanka National Team in Australia, has tested positive for Covid-19,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. “The result of the RAT was confirmed following a PCR test, which was conducted on the same day,” it added.
The Lankan Lions will play a five-match series Australia from February 11. The first two matches will be played in Sydney before the bandwagon moves to Canberra for the third game. The last two games will be played in Melbourne. Wanindu Hasarnaga, who was rested for the Zimbabwe series, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, whose bans were lifted by SLC, were included in the team. Wicketkeeper batter Niroshan Dickwella has been left out.
Sri Lanka T20I squad for Australia tour: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando
