Bipin Dani
All players and support staff members of the visiting South African team tested Covid-19 negative on their first PCR tests done on their arrival on Thursday, it is learnt. The next PCR tests for the visiting team will be conducted on 29th September.
Temba Bavuma-led South African squad arrived in Colombo on Thursday morning.
Sri Lanka’s two army doctors have been assigned to comply with the Covid-related issues and tests during their 20-day stay in Sri Lanka. The visitors too have brought their own physician, it is learnt.
Both teams-South Africa and the Sri Lankan teams are staying in the same hotel.
The members of the home team also gave their PCR tests on Wednesday and all found negatives.
The three D/N ODIs’ (September 2, 4 & 7) and the three-night T-20Is (Sept. 10,12 & 14) will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium behind closed doors. Batting coach returns Sri Lanka’s batting coach Grant Flower who had to miss the last series against India has returned. The Zimbabwe-born Flower was tested positive after returning from England and had to be isolated.
The other support staff member G.T. Niroshan too was to be dropped for the same reason against the India series. He was replaced by Prad Navaratnam. He will continue to be with the team for the series against South Africa.
