Sri Lanka have been rocked by a mid-game positive COVID-19 case, with Angelo Mathews ruled out of the ongoing first Test against Australia in Galle.
Oshada Fernando has come into Sri Lanka’s XI in place of Mathews, who would have played a key role in the hosts’ crucial second innings on day three of the series opener.
Mathews, Sri Lanka’s most experienced player, returned a positive rapid antigen test on Thursday after feeling unwell. Sri Lanka Cricket said he has since been isolated from other team members.
Fernando has played 15 Tests, averaging 36 and has one hundred to his name.
Mathews, who made 39 in Sri Lanka’s first innings, should be available for the second Test beginning next Friday given the country’s isolation requirements are only for five days.
