The quick is asymptomatic, but even if he clears his next test – on Tuesday – he must undergo further tests before being cleared to play
Though the update about Thushara has just come to light, ESPNcricinfo understands that he had returned a positive result six days ago. His second RT-PCR test is scheduled for Tuesday, the seventh day from the initial test, but with the team set to fly out on February 3, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and its medical team will have to decide whether Thushara can travel with the rest of the squad or not.
According to the head of SLC’s medical department, Prof Arjuna de Silva, even in the event of a negative test on Tuesday, Thushara would need to undergo further tests before getting clearance to play.
“We haven’t still decided on that [his inclusion in the travelling party],” de Silva said. “Generally, under normal protocol, we do a cardiac and lung assessment [prior to clearing a player]. If we send him with the team, assuming his second PCR comes back negative, we will then have to assess him in Australia before he plays.”
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play five T20Is in Australia from February 11-20, with the first two games in Sydney before the action moves to Canberra and then Melbourne.