In March 2020, the English cricket team will tour Sri Lanka for a series of two Test Matches, most likely to be played in Colombo and Galle. If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka to support your favorite team during the cricket tour, you can also explore popular tourist attractions and make your trip an exciting, multi-purpose vacation. Also, keep in mind that in March 2020, the weather in Sri Lanka is absolutely holiday perfect.
Cricket in Sri Lanka
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. It has been 44 years since Sri Lanka made its One Day International (ODI) debut – in 1975, and then entered Test Cricket in 1981.
At present, Dimuth Karunaratne is the captain of the ODI group of Sri Lanka cricket.
As of a few months ago, the current squad of the ODI cricket team is as follows:
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Kasun Rajitha
- Dananjaya De Silva
- Avishka Fernando
- Suranga Lakmal
- Lasith Malinga
- Angelo Mathews
- Kusal Mendis
- Jeevan Mendis
- Kusal Perera
- Thisara Perera
- Milinda Siriwardane
- Lahiru Thirimanne
- Isuru Udana
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Nuwan Pradeep
With the ODI World Cup done, Sri Lanka has to focus on the next big prize: the T20 world cup scheduled for the end of 2020. To prepare for that, Sri Lanka faced World Cup runners up New Zealand in a short T20 series on home ground, which they lost 2-1. The highlight of the last match victory for Sri Lanka was the 4 of 4 from current cricket star Lasith Malinga.
Right now the team is more focused on identifying fringe cricketers whose talent will play a huge role in next year’s big event. Young cricketers such as leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and bowler Lahiru Marushanka will be taken on trial.
Before the England tour, Sri Lanka is currently touring Pakistan for a series of three ODIs in Karachi on September 27, 29 and October 3rd, after which they will visit Lahore for a T20 series concluding on 9th October. Lahiru Thirimanna will lead the ODI team while Dasun Shanaka will lead the T20 team for the tour in Pakistan. This announcement came after a few of the Sri Lankan players refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns.
After the Pakistan tour, the Sri Lankan cricket team will be touring Australia in October 2019 for a T20 series, and then Zimbabwe in January 2020 for a Test match series. In February 2020, Ireland will be touring Sri Lanka for one Test Match and the West Indies cricket team will visit the country for an interesting series of three ODIs and two T20 matches.
England Cricket has had a great summer 2019!
Victory in a legendary Cricket World Cup Final in July.
England won the world cup final over New Zealand in a nail-biting match which included a super over that was tied.
Highlight innings by Ben Stokes.
Next, in Headingley, Ben Stokes played a historic innings, leading the host team to their highest ever run-chase in a Test match, with the last 76 runs coming in at the last wicket stand.
Astonishing win in the third test match to level the Ashes at 2-2.
The English cricket team had brilliant support throughout the series. It was tough to be involved in, particularly when at the wrong end, but overall, it was pretty gripping cricket indeed. According to England Captain Joe Root, leveling the Ashes series wrapped up the summer as a “huge success” for England cricket team. The 135 run victory in the final test, along with Root’s sensational catch, wrapped up the Ashes in style for England.
The England cricket team is happy to have Joe Root take them forward for the Sri Lanka tour and other upcoming series in lieu of preparing the team to the next level.
Match Schedule
Although confirmed dates for the England Tour of Sri Lanka are not out yet because the relevant authorities haven’t released them, both test matches are most likely to take place from 15th March to 1st April 2020, the first match in Galle on 19th March and second in Colombo on 26th March.
Getting to Sri Lanka from England
- Heathrow to Bandaranaike International Airport – 10 hours 30 minutes (direct)
- Edinburgh to Colombo – 13 hours 40 minutes (indirect)
- Manchester to Colombo – 12 hours 30 minutes (indirect)
- Birmingham to Colombo – 12 hours 55 minutes (indirect)
Until January 2020, British Nationals are exempt from visa fees if traveling to Sri Lanka for less than 30 days. For updated details during your time of travel in March 2020 our team will advise you.
Safety in Sri Lanka
After the 21st April Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, many are concerned about security issues. More recently, international embassies have lifted their travel bans to Sri Lanka, assuring the world that the country is now safe for travel. As a result, tourist arrivals are gradually increasing and hence we firmly believe that there is no reason for cricketing fans to stay away from supporting their favorite team in Sri Lanka. Appropriate security measures have been taken by Sri Lankan police, army and navy in order to provide a safe environment for us to move around. For further assurance, we advise tourists to book packages from trusted tour operators in Sri Lanka for the cricketing tour in March 2020.
Benefits of booking a cricket tour package in Sri Lanka
Blue Lanka Tours will soon introduce a cricket itinerary based on the England Tour of Sri Lanka in line with the match dates. It is easier to make your travel arrangements through this package as several added benefits are there including the opportunity to explore tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
- Top-notch hotel preferences
- Flight arrangements
- Restaurant recommendations
- Top picks from local attractions:
- Beaches in Galle
- Wildlife in Yala
- Heritage in Polonnaruwa
- Rock Fortress – Sigiriya
- Tea Plantations in the hills
- Colombo city tour
If your holiday period is restricted and wish to follow only one Test Match, or want to visit specific tour attractions in Sri Lanka, we can customize the cricket itinerary for you accordingly.
So here’s calling out to all cricket fans and those looking for added memorabilia during their holiday, do get in touch with Blue Lanka Tours if you would like to plan your itinerary in line with the England Tour of Sri Lanka 2019.