England not worried by Covid scare at luxury Galle hotel after two kitchen staff tested positive

England have played down the latest Covid scare to hit their tour of Sri Lanka after two kitchen staff at the team hotel tested positive.

The tests took place on Thursday, and the two employees of Galle’s luxury Lighthouse hotel were taken to hospital, but an ECB spokesman said neither had come into contact with any member of the 45-strong touring party.

‘We are the most compliant team in world cricket,’ said the spokesman. ‘We are the only international team in any sport to have a COVID compliance officer. 

England have played down a Covid scare at their luxury hotel in Galle, where they are playing Sri Lanka in a Test series, after two members of kitchen staff tested positive for the virus

England are staying at the Lighthouse Hotel near the Sri Lankan city of Galle during their tour

Two kitchen staff at the hotel tested positive for Covid-19 but didn’t come into contact with the 45-strong England touring party

‘He is responsible for ensuring we meet the highest of standards across our COVID protocols.

‘We remain vigilant and respectful of the Sri Lankan authorities and we will do everything that is possible to keep our players and the general population safe. We are being vigilant around our team base in Galle and at the stadium.

‘The players respect social distancing, wear masks in indoor settings at the hotel and where possible dine in outdoor settings at the hotel.’

England captain Joe Root scored a century on the second day to put his team in a strong place 

Dan Lawrence scored 50 on his Test debut and raised the bat to the England dressing room 

All-rounder Moeen Ali remains in isolation at a separate hotel after testing positive for the virus at the start of the tour, and continues to be monitored by medics.

‘Moeen Ali has been isolating for 12 days in separate accommodation. He remains isolated at a different hotel to the team in Galle,’ added the statement.

‘He continues to receive care from Sri Lanka and England medical teams and will return to the squad as soon as it is safe to do so. We have yet to be given a date of when this will be.’

England closed the second day on 320 for four, a lead of 185 over Sri Lanka with six first innings wickets remaining.

Joe Root remains unbeaten on 168 accompanied by Jos Buttler on 7 after Dan Lawrence impressed with 73.