Kusal Mendis tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Australia T20Is

Australia is set to host Sri Lanka for a five-match T20 series. In recent developments, Kusal Mendis from the Sri Lankan camp has been tested positive for Covid-19. The Sri Lanka team is currently in Australia preparing for the series. Kusal Mendis was first tested positive in a routine Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). Then he was confirmed positive in the RT-PCR test on the 7th of February. He will now have to be under quarantine.

A statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said, "Mendis is currently undergoing COVID-19 protocols and placed in isolation since Monday."

Mendis was named in the 20-men squad to travel to Australia. The batter was suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket. He was caught breaching the bio-bubble during their tour to England in July last year. His suspension ended a few days ago.

Meanwhile, Lasith Malinga has been appointed as the bowling strategy coach for their tour to Australia. SLC is confident of players benefiting from Malinga's presence.

"Malinga, in his new short-term role as a specialist coach, will support Sri Lanka's bowlers, providing tactical insight and technical expertise to help the on-field execution of strategic plans. SLC is confident that Malinga's vast experience and renowned death-bowling expertise, especially in the T20 format, will help the team immensely going into this series.

"He was appointed by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket. The appointment is effective from 1st to 20th February 2022," a release by Sri Lanka Cricket said.

The first T20 is scheduled to begin on the 11th of February at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan team and Aaron Finch will captain the Australian team.