England players' "minds were elsewhere" says Joe Root

The Test captain admitted uncertainty around the coronavirus outbreak was affecting the "mental wellbeing" of the squad in Sri Lanka

England's Test captain Joe Root says the uncertainty around the coronavirus outbreak was affecting the "mental wellbeing" of the squad in Sri Lanka.

Root cited an "element of relief" at the postponement of the two-Test series which was due to get underway at Galle on March 19.

"The right decision has been made," said the captain.

"There was an element of relief. 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.

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"Naturally there was a lot of talk in the dressing room and it got to a stage where it overshadowed the cricket.”

England drew their first warm-up match, before their second was cut short on Friday as the tour’s postponement was announced.

"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," Root added.

"It was clear it was getting in the way of performance and affecting the mental wellbeing of the guys."