Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw test COVID-19 negative, set to join Team India in England

Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw, who were told to return with three COVID-19 negative results, have now done the required tests and are set to fly to the United Kingdom within 24 hours. The BCCI has included the duo for the team’s five-match Test series against England starting on August 4.

There were roadblocks along the way, as all-rounder Krunal Pandya had tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. Yadav and Shaw were part of the six white-ball matches but were told to isolate themselves and also didn’t feature in the remaining two games of the T20I series, which concluded last week.

With the BCCI making the required travel arrangements in place, the duo is now set to travel and be with the Indian squad for the high-octane five-match Test series against England. This comes as good news for the team as there were reports surfacing that the duo might not make it to the UK due to the government’s strict COVID-19 protocols and restrictions.

“They are waiting for their visas. Because of the two holidays (Saturday and Sunday), they could not receive the same through the United Kingdom Embassy office in Sri Lanka. The travel agent has been following up the matter and it is hoped they would leave within 24 hours to join Team India in England”, One of the sources told Deccan Chronicle.

England and Indian boards arrange special provisions for Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw

With the UK government putting a red alert for travelers coming from India and Sri Lanka, things seemed tough to bring Shaw and Yadav for the Test series. But the BCCI’s timely intervention and their subsequent talks with ECB made things work out in the end and now due to special provisions, the duo will now be available for India.

Upon reaching England, the duo has to undergo quarantine and then only be eligible to play the Tests. It seems impossible for the duo to play at least the first two Tests of the five-match series. Three Indian players who tested COVID-19 positive – Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal and Krishnappa Gowtham are still in Sri Lanka and will need one negative RT-PCR test to fly back to India.