| Translate This News In |
|---|
The new UK variant of the novel coronavirus has infected England’s all-rounder Moeen Ali. Ahead of the first test, he was put into an additional 10-day quarantine.
According to the Sri Lankan authorities, the English cricketer Moeen Ali was infected with the new UK coronavirus variant on Wednesday. On his arrival in the country 10 days ago, the cricketer tested positive for COVID-19.
Deputy Chief Epidemiologist Hemantha Herath told reporters in Colombo that, according to a report from AFP, Sri Lanka’s first case of the UK strain, which is thought to be more transmissible, was the 33-year-old England all-rounder. The Ministry of Health said that extra precautions had been taken to ensure that Moeen did not spread the new variant in the nation—which is fighting an infection—but did not elaborate on what they were.
After reaching the island nation, Moeen Ali reported positive results for COVID-19 on January 4. On January 5, the entire squad was then retested and training was only permitted after the rest of the squad returned negative test results. Meanwhile, Moeen Ali was sent into quarantine, and since he was close to the 33-year-old, so was Chris Woakes.
While Woakes has been tested negative, the first test is still questionable. Meanwhile, after he complained of fatigue, Moeen Ali’s 10-day quarantine was expanded.
On January 14, the two-match Test series between England and Sri Lanka will begin with both matches being played in Galle.
The absence of the 33-year-old all-rounder is a huge obstacle for England, particularly considering his past performances in Sri Lanka. When the team last arrived in Lanka in 2018 and claimed a 3-0 series triumph, Ali was England’s joint-highest wicket-taker.
In his absence, it would be up to Jack Leach and Dom Bess to supply the goods in the spin department for England.
