Fist-bumps over handshakes for England players in Sri Lanka

Colombo, March 11:  Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak around the world, England players will not be using handshakes to greet people or stop for selfies with the fans during their ongoing tour of Sri Lanka.

Overall 1,00,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported so far across the world and over 3,500 people have lost their lives.

"Following the world health agency's advice, and in order to protect the players and, in turn, the integrity and continuation of the Sri Lanka Test tour, the team has put in place several precautions, leading to a number of normal activities being cancelled for the foreseeable future," an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) release said on Wednesday.

"As a result, the touring party is now taking positive steps to reduce the risk of its health by limiting public engagements for its players and management team."

England players will be preferring fist-bumps over handshakes with their teammates or the opposition through the course of this tour. "Even a personal greeting will suffice," the release added.

"Whilst we acknowledge that this will be disappointing for some supporters, we stress that this measure to protect the ongoing wellbeing of the England Test squad and is a decision which has not been taken lightly.

"England players and staff have been asked to avoid any unnecessary public engagements, and temporarily avoid casual supporter interaction such as selfies or autographs," the release further said.

The ECB has also asked the supporters travelling to Sri Lanka to maintain good levels of hygiene as advised by the World Health Organisation and the NHS.

England are scheduled to play two Test matches in Sri Lanka from March 19 to 31.