Sri Lanka national cricket team is all set to take on England national cricket team in the three-match Test series. The first match between the teams will begin on August 21 in Manchester, followed by the second Test match on August 29 and the final match at The Oval on September 6.

Some of the Test players from Sri Lanka’s national cricket team have already arrived in England, but ahead of the Test series they have expressed concern about the ongoing unrest in the UK. Anti-immigrant riots have broken out in several cities.

However, despite all the concerns, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reassured Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the team about the security measures in place. The unrest also continues in Manchester, where the first match of the series between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the hosts will take place.

Sri Lanka team manager Mahinda Halangoda revealed that he raised issues with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the governing body was quick to respond regarding the safety measures. While speaking to ESPNCricinfo on the issue, he explained:

“I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their extensive security plans. We will also have a security liaison from them during the visit.”

In addition to this, the UK government has also assured sports bodies that the country is safe for sports. They made the call during an emergency call on Wednesday. The UK police have also unequivocally stated that they will crack down on violence and prevent it.

Sri Lankan players are also expressing concerns about the same ahead of the England Tests.

Sri Lankan players have also expressed concern about this issue. Players who were there for pre-series training have also expressed concern about the unrest, particularly as they do not have a security plan in place to cover this part of their trip.

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, a Sri Lankan player spoke about the issue and said that they cannot go out for dinner or anything because all they have to do is stay in a hotel. While speaking about the whole issue, he stated:

“Most of the problems don’t seem to be close to where we are, but everyone is a bit worried. We can’t go out to dinner or do anything like that. We mostly stay in the hotel. Nobody wants to get into trouble and get beaten up. We’ve asked the board to try and arrange some security for us until the main team arrives, but we haven’t heard back yet.”

This nine-strong contingent of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team (seven players and two support staff) has asked SLC to arrange better security over the next few days as they travel to and from a ground near London. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Test series.