SL vs AUS, 1st Test: Angelo Mathews tests COVID positive, replaced with Fernando

Galle: Angelo Mathews has tested Covid positive ahead of the third day's play of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia here on Friday.

The all-rounder had undergone Covid test after informing the camp of Covid symptoms. He has been isolated as per protocols.

Mathews has been replaced by Oshada Fernando as an approved like-for-like Covid replacement.

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the news on Twitter.

Fernando will likely be in the thick of action during the early stages of day three, after his teammates bowled Australia out for 321 early in the morning session.

The hosts were 109 runs behind at the end of Australia's first innings with Asitha Fernando cleaning up the tail after Ramesh Mendis' 4/112.

With the second Test beginning on July 8, Mathews' future involvement in the series remains unclear. (UNI)