Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera tests positive for Covid-19

Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper Kusal Perera has tested positive for the new coronavirus ahead of the team’s limited-overs series against South Africa at home next month, the country’s cricket board said on Monday.

Perera, who will turn 31 on Tuesday, 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 isolate for two weeks as per the health protocols in the country, putting him in doubt for the home series against South Africa starting on Sept. 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 said in a statement.

South Africa will play three one-day internationals followed by an identical number of Twenty20 matches, which will start on September 10.