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England all-rounder Moeen Ali released from quarantine in Sri Lanka after positive Covid test

 (Getty Images for ECB)
(Getty Images for ECB)

Moeen Ali was today released from quarantine for the first time since testing positive for Covid-19 on arriving in Sri Lanka almost a fortnight ago.

Moeen tested negative before departure but was positive when England arrived in Sri Lanka on January 3, meaning he was kept in isolation when his team-mates were released to train.

He was originally scheduled to be released on Wednesday, but the Sri Lankan government were in particularly cautious mood as he brought the virus from heavily-hit Britain.

Moeen’s late release means he is unlikely to play in the Second Test, which begins on Friday.

Moeen has been staying in a separate hotel to the rest of the England squad, but will now move into the Lighthouse, the team hotel.

He was let out of his hotel room on Saturday afternoon and headed straight to the Galle International Stadium to watch his team-mates in action.

A tweet on the official England Cricket twitter account read: “Back with the lads. Great to see Mo watching at the ground today!”

Sri Lanka fought back on the third afternoon, reaching tea on 90 without loss, with Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne fighting hard.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 on the opening day, before Joe Root’s 228 led England to 421.