England all-rounder Moeen Ali tests POSITIVE for coronavirus ahead of Sri Lanka tour

England’s preparations for next week’s first Test against Sri Lanka have been dealt a blow after all-rounder Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid-19.

Ali will now enter a 10-day period of self-isolation, in accordance with Sri Lankan government protocol, while team-mate Chris Woakes will also go into self-isolation for at least seven days after being deemed a ‘possible close contact’.

The result came from tests administered at Hambantota airport on Sunday after the England team touched down ahead of their two-Test series, scheduled to start at Galle on January 14. 

England’s Moeen Ali has tested positive for Covid-19 in Sri Lanka, the ECB announced

That leaves Ali, who will be moved to new accommodation in Galle tomorrow, in serious doubt for the first game, with his period of self-isolation ending the day before the game.

It is understood his test result is not a false positive, as was the case for two members of the England touring party in South Africa before Christmas.

Woakes, along with the rest of the squad, will be tested tomorrow and again on Thursday, with the tourists set to train properly for the first time on Wednesday. Woakes is said to be asymptomatic.

An ECB statement read: ‘Following PCR tests administered on arrival at the airport in Hambantota on Sunday 3rd January, The England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that Moeen Ali has tested positive for COVID-19.

‘Ali will now observe a period of 10-days self-isolation, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Government’s protocol on quarantine.

‘Chris Woakes has been deemed as a possible close contact, and he will observe a period of self-isolation and further testing.’

‘The touring party will be PCR tested for a second time on Tuesday morning. At this stage, the team will train for the first time on Wednesday.’ 

More to follow…