UAE vice-captain Chirag Suri and uncapped left-arm spinner Aryan Lakra have tested positive for Covid-19, ahead of the team's ODI series against Ireland. According to a statement from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), "Both players are currently in isolation, are being monitored and are in good health."

It is as yet unclear what impact the news will have on the series, which is set to begin today, in Abu Dhabi, where all four matches will be played. The ECB's statement suggested the series will go ahead as planned, with "all areas immediately and thoroughly sanitised as per existing protocols" and "no further positive tests returned".

Suri was making a comeback following injury for this series, while Lakra was one of four new faces in the 17-man squad, alongside Alishan Sharafu, Kashif Daud and Adithya Shetty.

Following the UAE series, Ireland will remain in the country to play ODIs against Afghanistan. Since the New Year, the daily numbers released on fresh Covid-19 cases in the country have averaged around 1700.