Sri Lanka suspend Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella following bubble breach

Sri Lanka have been dealt a body blow on the eve of their first ODI against England, as three first XI players, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella, have been suspended for flouting Covid norms. Earlier in the day, fan footage emerged of Mendis and Dickwella hanging out in the streets of Durham - thereby violating Covid protocols - and the video led to SLC stating that an investigation would be launched. 

The investigation is still pending, but the Lankan board have suspended all three cricketers after the trio confessed that they broke the rules.

"The players have been suspended pending a full inquiry, but have confessed to having gone out," SLC vice-president Mohan de Silva was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

"They are being recalled from the tour with immediate effect."

Gunathilaka, Mendis and Dickwella featured in the T20I series which Sri Lanka lost 3-0, and all three players are an integral part of the ODI side. The three members were part of the ODI side that lost 2-1 to Bangladesh last month, and incidentally featured in the last ODI the Lankans played (against Bangladesh), which they won by a 97-run margin.