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

The hosts are unconcerned by a spike in cases in the UK, despite many being linked to a new variant of coronavirus

Sri Lanka admit "anxiety is high" but do not expect the Test series against England to be affected by the fresh spike of Covid-19 cases.

As much of the United Kingdom experiences increases in coronavirus infections, restrictions have been strengthened in time for the festive period.

England's players are scheduled to fly from London to Hambantota on January 2 ahead of the two Tests in Galle on January 14-18 and 22-26.

They have been reminded to be cautious during Christmas and New Year but are free to see family should the tier they reside in allow.

Talks between Sri Lanka Cricket and the England and Wales Cricket Board are planned to discuss the new strain and to ensure every measure is taken to keep players safe.

As it stands, the tourists will quarantine for three days upon their arrival in Sri Lanka and must return a negative PCR test before starting training.

"I don't think we should," said team physician Dr Daminda Attanayake when asked if the new strain could cancel the tour, according to ESPNCricinfo.

"Yes, anxiety is high at this stage from everybody. But when you look at the scientific evidence, I don't think we should stop it. We might have to take extra precautions, but we don't need to stop the tour."

Both sides will be keen to avoid a second postponement of the series after the Tests were pulled last March as Covid-19 first took hold.

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