Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the second Test against Australia ahead of Monday’s fourth day in Galle after testing positive for Covid-19.
Nissanka is now the sixth Sri Lanka player to test positive for the deadly virus in the past two weeks.
“He was found to be positive during an Antigen test conducted on the player yesterday morning, following the player complaining of feeling unwell,” a Sri Lanka Cricket statement said.
“Nissanka was immediately isolated in a different hotel upon identification and will undergo Covid-19 protocols,” it added.
Oshada Fernando has now replaced Nissanka in the team on Monday with Sri Lanka resuming their first innings on 431-6, a lead of 67.
Earlier, the islanders had suffered a Covid outbreak on the eve of the final Test.
Angelo Mathews returned to the team for the second Test after testing positive during the opening match, which the hosts lost.