All-rounder Ben Stokes has withdrawn from England’s warm-up match in Sri Lanka to undergo abdominal tests – but team management say it is not linked to any coronavirus concerns.
Stokes, 28, was replaced in the batting order on day one of the tour match against a President’s XI by Ollie Pope.
On day two, Stokes pulled out of the match in Colombo and has been replaced by leg-spinner Matt Parkinson.
Captain Joe Root completed his century on day two as England posted 463.
Zak Crawley had hit a century on day one of the four-day warm-up game.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said Stokes will “remain at the team hotel and full reports are awaited from London”.
“To be clear, this is not a viral issue or linked to COVID-19.”
England’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to start on 19 March in Galle.
