Root writes to fans shunted out of Kandy hotel

Supporters who had booked rooms at the Earl's Regency Hotel were told they were being moved to hotels much further from the ground only a week ahead of the second Test

Joe Root has written to England fans who were caught up in a hotel booking blunder ahead of the second Test in Kandy, conveying his sympathy for their situation.

Supporters who had booked rooms at the Earl's Regency Hotel were told they were being moved to hotels much further from the ground only a week ahead of the second Test.

The issue arose because the hotel had been earmarked as accommodation for teams and officials, but due to an oversight was double booked with both supporters and those involved with the game. 

To recompense those affected by this, Root and the rest of the England team met with many of those during lunch on the second day, and handed out hand-signed letters thanking them for their support.

^{Joe Root wrote to fans affected by the blunder}

"As England Test captain, I would like to thank you on behalf of the team and the ECB for your support here in Sri Lanka," he wrote.

"We all feel the loyalty, commitment and passion that you and our travelling supporters show. It is unmatched in world cricket and must never be taken for granted.

"So it has been a huge disappointment to all of us that your plans for the Kandy Test match have been badly disrupted, with your accommodation moved so far from the Earl's Regency.

"You would have made your plans some time ago and looked forward to an incredible experience, seeing this country and watching Test cricket.

^{There has been good support for England at the Pallekele International Stadium}

"It was a big surprise to us to hear of Cricket Sri Lanka's booking issue and the threat that the match itself might be moved altogether. I can assure you that the ECB has made its views clear.

"I also know how hard our tour manager here and his colleagues at Lord's have worked to find a solution and that, whatever additional arrangement made by our hosts, this has had an impact on you and caused difficulties for your trusted tour operators.

"As leader of this group of players, I promise that we will do all we can to give you a performance to remember and thank you for your part in this Test match.

"Thanks too for your continued support - we hope to see you at the ground."