England's Moeen Ali tests positive for Covid-19 in Sri Lanka

The allrounder will now self-isolate for 10 days, while Chris Woakes has been deemed to be close contact and will also quaratine

England's Test tour of Sri Lanka has suffered a major setback after Moeen Ali tested positive for Covid-19.

The Worcestershire allrounder will now self-isolate for 10 days away from the remainder of the squad.

Chris Woakes has been identified as a close contact and will also be placed in quarantine and undergo further testing.

Joe Root's side were due to start training at their Hambantota base on Tuesday (January 5) before moving to Galle for the two rescheduled Tests.

The entire 23-man squad tested negative upon arrival in Sri Lanka on Sunday (January 3), when they were sprayed by disinfectant by airport staff.

Players entered a period of isolation and underwent a round of PCR tests ahead of starting training later in the week.

Preparations for the series will begin in earnest on Wednesday (January 6) if players successfully come through a second bout of tests.

Galle is due to host the two Tests on January 14-18 and 22-26.

While Ali has not been ruled out of first Test - his period is isolation concludes the day before the opening game - he must now be considered a major doubt.

The series is rescheduled from last March when England returned home ahead of the series as the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

The team are due in India in February and March for four Tests, five T20s and three ODIs.