Moeen Ali will not leave his coronavirus quarantine on Wednesday as previously planned and is now highly unlikely to play any part in England's Test series against Sri Lanka.
Moeen tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival in the country and told to isolate for 10 days, which would have allowed him to rejoin the squad on the eve of Thursday's series opener in Galle.
But the all-rounder has experienced mild symptoms and an abundance of caution from the Sri Lankan government, who are overseeing all guidance on the virus, means he now faces another two or three days of isolation.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are understood to be sympathetic to the decision and now expect Moeen to be allowed out of his private accommodation towards the weekend.
Given the tight time-frame, the 33-year-old spinner is effectively ruled out of the second Test starting on January 22 too, with too little time to get him match sharp.
PA
