England players advised staying away from Sri Lanka's political uproar

The political situation is currently critical in Sri Lanka. Amid the uproar, the English team members have been advised to stay away from the political demonstrations during the tour

Amid the ongoing political uproar in Sri Lanka, the England cricket team is gearing up for a three-match Test series beginning from November 6. Ahead of the same, the English players have been told to stay away from political demonstrations while touring Sri Lanka, which is in the grip of a constitutional power struggle.

“We are exercising vigilance and avoiding all demonstrations or large political gatherings,” England spokesman Danny Reuben said.

“We are aware of a political demonstration today, but for us, it is all about preparations for the first Test,” Reuben said a four-day practice match in Colombo would go ahead as planned, despite the troubles in the capital.

The first Test will be played at Galle which is also going to mark the farewell game of veteran Lankan spinner Rangana Herath. England are due to stay in Sri Lanka until November 27 when the third Test ends.

What ’s wrong in the island nation currently?

The dispute between sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse has already hit Sri Lanka's cricket establishment.

On Sunday, bodyguards for Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka's captain when they won the 1996 World Cup, opened fire at a crowd as they moved to rescue him from Rajapakse supporters.

One man was killed and two others were wounded. Ranatunga was arrested Monday on an allegation of ordering the shooting but was released on bail.