Kusal Perera contracts COVID-19 ahead of SA series

On Aug 16, 2021

Sri Lanka’s wicket-keeper-batsman Kusal Janith Perera has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus ahead of the team’s limited-overs series against South Africa at home next month, the country’s cricket board said yesterday.

Perera, who will turn 31 today, was named Captain of Sri Lanka’s 50-overs side in May in a major overhaul following disappointing results.

Perera was set to return to training after being sidelined with a shoulder injury ahead of the limited-overs series against India but will now have to spend more time on the sidelines.

He will be isolated for two weeks as per the health protocols in the country, putting him in doubt for the home series against South Africa starting on September 2 in Colombo.

“He was found to be positive during a PCR test which was carried out on the players yesterday (Sunday),” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement.

Meanwhile, South Africa will play three One-Day Internationals followed by an identical number of Twenty20 matches, which will start on September 10. (Agencies)