England could reschedule Sri Lanka Tests for January 2021 before India tour

The coronavirus outbreak saw the matches in Galle and Colombo pulled but they could yet go ahead next year

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England are being lined up for seven Test matches in the first nine weeks of 2021 with suggestions the postponed Test series against Sri Lanka could be rescheduled before the tour of India.

The matches in Galle and Colombo set for this month were pulled amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

But Ian Ward, the ex-England Test batsman and Sky Sports anchor, reports the series could be shifted to early January next year.

Joe Root's side are scheduled to play five Tests in India and their calendar could be topped up with two additional matches.

"It is a big tour for Sri Lankan cricket," Ward told Sky Sports. "Any England tour is big for their economy because they're so well supported. 

"They'll be desperate that those punters that have made the trip to watch the cricket might come back.

"In terms of when that might happen, what I was told is there might be a little window at the beginning of January before England go to India.

^{Ian Ward leads Sky's coverage of England home and away}

"That would be an enormously difficult logistical challenge for Sri Lankan Cricket and the ECB. 

"But it is a massive challenge for Joe Root and his team. That would be seven Test matches from January through to the end of March."

Dozens of tours and competitions have been postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis, but the heavily stocking cricket calendar means rescheduling them will be problematic.

Like many other nations, England face a heavily truncated 2020 which could include more postponements.

For Tests to count towards the inaugural cycle of the World Test Championship all five-day games must be completed before March 31, 2021.

The dates for the India-England series have yet to be determined but there is little wiggle room available to move them and ensure they are count.

Following the five-Test series, South Africa are due to host England for three one-day internationals and a trio of T20s in March.