The England and the Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is looking to seek replacements for the five-match officials in the upcoming three-match ODI series between hosts England and Sri Lanka. The development comes after Phil Whitticase, the match referee for the T20I series tested positive for COVID-19 after a PCR test revealed that he had contracted the virus. He was asymptomatic and didn’t feel unwell as per reports from the ECB. However, he has to undergo a 10-day isolation period.
ESPNcricinfo has reported that as many as seven match officials and anti-corruption personnel at the Ageas Bowl have been considered close contacts of Whitticase and can hence take no part in the upcoming ODI series which also includes the five, who were slated to officiate in the three-match ODI series. All of those seven members will have to self isolate for 10 days till 7 July.
"No members of the two teams were impacted," the ECB said in a statement. "Alternative arrangements will be put in place to ensure Tuesday's ODI goes ahead as planned.
"Seven other members from the match officials and anti-corruption unit teams were deemed close contacts, including five members due to officiate at the first ODI on Tuesday, 29 June at Emirates Riverside, Durham. Those impacted will have to self-isolate for 10-days until July 7. No members of the two teams were impacted," the statement further read.
Chris Broad was the designated match referee for the series with Michael Gough and Richard Kettleborough as the onfield umpires.
After suffering a humiliating series whitewash at the hands of England, Sri Lanka will look to redeem their lost pride in the ODI series starting at Chester-le-Street from