Avishka Fernando tests Covid-19 positive before Sri Lanka's ODIs against Zimbabwe

Avishka Fernando is likely to be ruled out of the forthcoming ODIs against Zimbabwe after testing positive for Covid-19.

Sri Lanka's likely squad were expected to enter the bio-secure bubble on Sunday, but Fernando - whose positive test arrived before the bubble was formed - will not join the rest of the team. According to Sri Lanka Cricket's medical staff, Fernando has received three vaccinations. The booster dose, however, was administered less than two weeks ago. Only Fernando has returned a positive test so far.

Fernando's absence is a significant blow to Sri Lanka's top order, but the early return of the previously banned trio - Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, and Danushka Gunathilaka - may help ease the loss. Sri Lanka's squad for the ODIs has not been officially named, but at least two of those three batters are expected to be in it. Fernando had been in good form, however, having struck 100 off 64, and 63 off 41 in the last two matches of the Lankan Premier League.

The ODIs against Zimbabwe are set to begin on January 16. All three matches will be played in Pallekele, with the second and third games on January 18 and January 21. Sri Lanka currently are sixth on the Super League points table after 15 games. However, they have lost ten of those games.