SAvENG: 1st ODI postponed after one player tests COVID-19 positive

Cape Town: The first ODI between South Africa and England have been called off after one player in the South African squad has tested COVID-19 positive.

The match has been postponed just an hour before the scheduled start at Newlands, Cape Town.

“This decision results from a player from the Proteas team testing positive for COVID-19 after the teams’ last round of scheduled testing performed on Thursday ahead of the ODIs,” a Cricket South Africa (CSA) media release said.

“In the interests of the safety and well-being of both teams, match officials and all involved in the match, the Acting CEO of CSA, Kugandrie Govender as well as the CEO of the ECB, Tom Harrison, have agreed to postpone the first fixture to Sunday,” it added.

There were reports that protocols were breached during the T20I series in South African camp.

All players and support staff are set to undergo another round of tests on Friday afternoon, in the hope of starting the series on Sunday. CSA have announced revised dates of the series.

Revised Schedule:

1st ODI: Sunday, 6 December 2020, Boland Park, Paarl

2nd ODI: Monday, 7 December 2020, Newlands, Cape Town

3rd ODI: Wednesday, 8 December 2020, Newlands, Cape Town

It must be noted that England whitewashed South Africa in the three-match T20I series.