MOEEN ALI has tested positive for Covid-19 and must quarantine for ten days in Sri Lanka.
And team-mate Chris Woakes, who shared a car with Moeen to Heathrow Airport before the team boarded their charter flight, has also been told to isolate for a number of days.
It is the worst-possible start to England’s tour of Sri Lanka and India – which lasts a total of almost three months.
England quit their one-day tour of South Africa last month when the players were spooked by some positive Covid tests at their hotel.
But Test captain Joe Root insisted last week that positive tests in Sri Lanka or India should not mean the players flying home.
An England statement said: “Following PCR tests administered on arrival at the airport in Hambantota on Sunday, January 3, the England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that Moeen Ali has tested positive for Covid-19.
“ Ali will now observe a period of ten days self-isolation, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Government’s protocol on quarantine.
“Chris Woakes has been deemed as a possible close contact and he will observe a period of self-isolation and further testing.
“The touring party will be PCR tested for a second time on Tuesday morning.
“At this stage, the team will train for the first time on Wednesday.”
The initial round of rapid flow tests conducted at Hambantota airport came back negative but the more advanced PCR test was positive for Moeen.
Neither Moeen nor Woakes is said to be suffering symptoms at this stage and Woakes’ test result at the airport on Sunday was negative anyway.
The whole squad of players and backroom staff has been isolating in their rooms at their golf resort and hotel in Hambantota.
They hope to be given the green light to begin training on Tuesday afternoon as long as the next round of Covid tests on Tuesday morning come back negative.
