The upcoming Test series is a crucial one for England to keep their hopes alive of making it to the finals of ICC WTC in 2021. The England and Wales Cricket Board has released the schedule of the tour. The tour will comprise two Test games in January next year. Team England was scheduled to play against Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series in March 2020. However, England had to return home due to a sudden outbreak of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In March 2020, both the sides had featured in two practice games against each other which eventually resulted in a draw. The first test match was scheduled for March 19 in Galle followed by the second game from March 27, 2020, in Colombo. But all the plans had to be suspended.
Now, both SLC and ECB have officially decided to conduct the Test series in January 2021. The teams will play two matches as a part of the WTC, with the first Test played from 14 to 18 Jan. The second game will start from 22 to January 26.
Both the matches will take place in the same venue, Galle International Stadium. The games will be played behind closed doors in a biosecure bubble to assure the safety of the players and staff members.
Travel details of England cricket team
In accordance with the travel plans regulated by the ECB, the England team will board the flight from London on January 2. All the players and the staff will be subject to a mandatory quarantine period. The squad will be allowed to start their practice session from 5th to January 9 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium. After having completed the Test series on January 26, team England will depart from Sri Lanka on January 27. Presently, team England is placed third with 292 points in the WTC points table. Sri Lanka is at the sixth spot with 80 points.
England Tour of Sri Lanka, January 2021, Tour Details
January 2, Saturday: England to depart from London to Hambantota.
5th to January 9, Tuesday: Training sessions at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota.
14th to January 18, Thursday: 1st Test match, Sri Lanka v England, Galle International Cricket Stadium.
22nd to January 26, Friday: 2nd Test match, Sri Lanka v England, Galle International Cricket Stadium.
January 27, Wednesday: England squad departs from Sri Lanka.