England spared quarantine after South Africa trip, Sri Lanka tour plans continue

The ECB confirm no player will have to isolate after the UK government attempts to tackle fresh mutation of Covid-19

England's players and support staff have avoided a period of quarantine following a government directive ordering those who have recently returned from South Africa to enter self-isolation.

UK health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed on Wednesday (December 23) that due to a new mutation of Covid-19 all arrivals from the country must isolate for 14 days immediately.

Much of the touring party returned to British shores on December 10, less than a fortnight ago, after the white-ball tour was cut short following an outbreak at the team hotel.

Though that date falls within the parameters set out by the government, no member of the squad or backroom team will have to undergo a period of isolation.

A statement read: "The England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that those team members and support staff who returned on 10 December from South Africa, as part of England men's white-ball tour, have been following the Elite Sports International guidance concerning activity in the UK. 

"During this period, they have undergone on-going symptom and testing checks and will not need to quarantine."

Sri Lanka confident England Test series will go ahead despite fresh Covid-19 fears

Attention now turns to next month's tour of Sri Lanka, whose men's team are currently in South Africa for two Tests.

England arrive in Sri Lanka on January 2, undergo three days of quarantine before beginning preparations for the back-to-back Tests in Galle on January 14-18 and 22-26.

Sri Lanka Cricket are unconcerned by the latest outbreak in the UK and the ECB say their plans are as yet unaffected.

"Regarding the England men's Test squad and support staff, they will continue to prepare as normal ahead of the Sri Lanka Test tour," the EBC added.

"The touring party is due to leave on January 2, 2021. The ECB will continue to monitor the on-going situation in respect of international travel and working closely with Sri Lanka Cricket."

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