Sri Lanka raise security concerns about upcoming England Tests amid UK riots

Sri Lanka has raised concerns about safety in England due to ongoing anti-immigrant riots in various UK cities. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reassured Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that security measures are in place.

The two teams are set to play a three-Test series from August 21 to September 10 at Old Trafford, Lord's, and The Oval.

Sri Lankan players who are already in England for training have expressed their worries about the unrest, especially since security arrangements for this part of the tour seem uncertain. The group of seven players and two support staff members has asked SLC for security support over the next few days.

Sri Lankan player express worries over safety in England

One of the players shared with ESPNCricinfo:

"Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are but everyone is still a little concerned. We can't really go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up. We've asked the board to try and ask for some security for us until the main team arrives, but we haven't heard anything back yet."

Sri Lanka's team manager, Mahinda Halangoda has also brought up the issue with the ECB. He told ESPNCricinfo:

"I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements. We'll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well."

ECB Reassure Sri Lanka Cricket with security measures

Most of the Sri Lankan team is scheduled to arrive in England on Sunday, August 11. The ECB's security plans will be fully in place once they arrive.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has announced their 18-member squad for the England Test series on August 7. The biggest news is the return of in form opener Pathum Nissanka to the Test squad, despite not having played a long format game since 2022.

Sri Lanka has also included uncapped pacers Milan Rathnayake and Nisala Tharaka in the squad, anticipating the seamer friendly conditions in England.

Leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay also makes a return to the Test side after his single red ball appearance in June 2022. Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, with Kusal Mendis as his deputy.

Sri Lanka last played a Test series in England in 2016, where they lost 0-2 in the three matches.

Sri Lanka announce 18-member squad for England Tests

Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vc), Angelo Mathews, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Milan Rathnayake.

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