Pakistan's team masseur tests positive for Covid in Colombo

Pakistan's team masseur Malang Ali has tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival in Colombo. He will have to undergo a five-day isolation period and will be able to join the team, subject to a negative Rapid Antigen Test on day five.

In the past, Pakistan haven't had a masseur replaced on their away tours. In case Malang isn't able to recover in the time for the opening Test starting July 16, the team management will have to hire a masseur from Sri Lanka in a makeshift arrangement.

The Pakistan contingent landed in Sri Lanka on Wednesday evening for a two-Test series to be played in Galle and Colombo. The visitors' touring party consists of 18 players and 13-member team management, including one masseur. The playing squad is largely unchanged from the one that took on Australia at home for the three Tests in March. Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, and Yasir Shah are the new faces since Pakistan's previous tour of Sri Lanka in 2015 when they won the series 2-1.

Sri Lanka are currently hosting Australia, with the second Test beginning on Friday. The hosts, on the eve of the Test, were hit by Covid-19 with Dhananjaya de Silva, Asitha Fernando, and Jeffrey Vandersay ruled out of the game. Also joining the Covid list are Angelo Mathews and left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama.

Pakistan will be training in Colombo from Friday and will play a three-day practice match in the city from July 11 to 13 before the opening Test in Galle.