
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper batsmen Kusal Perera has tested positive for COVID-19. Sri Lanka cricket confirmed in a statement that the player has indeed contracted the virus. The 30-year-old player was found out when RT-PCR tests were conducted on the 15th of August, with each player being tested.
Wicket Keeper–Batsman Kusal Janith Perera has tested positive for Covid 19.
He was found to be positive during a PCR test which was carried out on the players yesterday (15th August).
Following the detection, Perera is undergoing due medical protocols pertaining to Covid 19.— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 16, 2021
This is not Sri Lanka cricket’s first brush with the virus, this year. Team data analyst, G.T. Niroshan was tested positive for the virus, before the series against India. Three players broke COVID protocols, which include vice-captain Kusal Mendis, batsmen Danushka Gunthalika and wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella. These players were banned for two years and they won’t be able to play domestic cricket for six months. Their punishment also includes being on probation for two years, after the ban and a $50,000 fine. Sandun Weerakkodi, a batsman who was training with the main team during India’s tour, also contracted the virus.
Kusal Perera will now follow the medical procedures that are suggested to him.
According to the chief medical officer of the team Dr. Daminda Attanayake, this doesn’t necessarily mean Perera is ruled out for the series against South Africa. He will be in isolation for ten to fourteen days, and there will be cardiac assessments after the isolation period is over. If everything comes all right, he might just play against South Africa. He will join the biosecure bubble directly after his isolation period.
He already missed the series against India due to a shoulder injury and Attanayake has raised doubts about whether he will recover his shoulder, in time for the series. South Africa will play 3 ODI’s and 3 T20I’s in Colombo. The series will start on September 2nd and end on September 14th.