Root backs decision to scrap Sri Lanka tour over virus fears

The England and Wales Cricket Board said the physical and mental well-being of the players and support staff was paramount. "There was an element of relief. The right decision has been made," Root told the BBC.

"You could see looking at the players that their minds were elsewhere thinking about people back home. Now that we can go and look after families and be with loved ones, that's put a lot of guys at ease."

The skipper said there had been a lot of talk about the virus in the dressing room and it had started to overshadow the cricket. "Looking at how quickly things have happened at home, you're thinking about family and friends who might be a bit more vulnerable and that's hard when you're a long way away.

"It was clear it was getting in the way of performance and affecting the mental well-being of the guys." New Zealand abandoned their one-day tour of Australia on Saturday after Wellington tightened border restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2020

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