City
Epaper

No handshakes, only fist bumps for England players on SL tour

By IANS | Updated: March 3, 2020 10:22 IST

England captain Joe Root has said that his teammates will not shake hands during their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka because of the coronavirus outbreak and will instead greet each other with fist bumps.

Open in App

London, March 3 England captain Joe Root has said that his teammates will not shake hands during their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka because of the coronavirus outbreak and will instead greet each other with fist bumps.

During their last tour of South Africa, England players suffered gastroenteritis and flu problems. In fact, a situation had arisen where England were unable to field 11 fit players on the ground.

"After the illnesses that swept through the squad in South Africa, we are well aware of the importance of keeping contact to a minimum," Root was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"We are washing hands regularly and wiping down surfaces using the anti-bacterial wipes and gels we've been given in our immunity packs."

The skipper added that England "fully expect the tour to continue as planned" but the team is in regular contact with the authorities and will "proceed as advised".

England are scheduled to play two Test matches in Sri Lanka from March 19 to 31. Before that, the Three Lions will play two practice matches as well.

A number of sporting events have already been postponed because of the virus, which originated in China.

More than 3,000 people have lost their lives across the globe due to the deadly disease while the number of confirmed cases has crossed 80,000-mark.

In India, at least three cases of coronavirus were reported on Monday.

( With inputs from )

Open in App

Related Stories

EntertainmentKangana Ranaut stuns in regal bridal look as she returns to ramp for 'Raabta by Rahul'

InternationalRussia launches massive strikes on Ukraine's gas sites

International"Resumption of direct flights will further facilitate cross-border travel, exchanges and cooperation," says Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing

InternationalHamas' agreement to peace plan not about Gaza but "long sought peace" in Middle East, says Trump

InternationalRajya Sabha Deputy Chairman meets South Africa's National Assembly Speaker

National Realted Stories

NationalOdisha: CM Mohan Majhi expresses grief over landslide and flood deaths; announces aid

NationalDelhi BJP chief slams AAP’s misleading comments on health services

NationalArmy successfully completes Mount Gorichen expedition in Arunachal

NationalDurga idol immersion continues in Tripura after five-day festivities

NationalCM Pema Khandu voices concern over rising HIV/AIDS cases in Arunachal