SA v Eng: Second ODI called off after Covid scare

The second ODI between South Africa and England which was to take place in Cape Town on Monday, will not go ahead as per schedule after two unconfirmed positive cases in the England camp. The decision to not play the second ODI was mutually agreed upon by the England Cricket and Cricket South Africa. The […]
 
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SA v Eng: Second ODI called off after Covid scare

The second ODI between South Africa and England which was to take place in Cape Town on Monday, will not go ahead as per schedule after two unconfirmed positive cases in the England camp.

The decision to not play the second ODI was mutually agreed upon by the England Cricket and Cricket South Africa. The boards made a joint statement after the first ODI had been postponed. The first ODI was to take place on Friday but was postponed to Sunday just hours before the match after an unnamed cricketer tested positive.

Sunday’s match was also abandoned after two staff members at the Vineyard Hotel returned Covid positive tests. On Saturday, the entire England contingent underwent a test after which ECB confirmed the two unconfirmed positive results.

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ODI series running the risk of being cancelled

“The second one-day international between South Africa and England, which is due to take place at Newlands, Cape Town, will now not take place on Monday 7 December,” a joint statement from both the boards mentioned, reported by Cricbuzz.

SA v Eng: Second ODI called off after Covid scare

“The decision has been taken by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) whilst they await the outcome of the independent ratification of the two unconfirmed positive COVID-19 tests from the England camp and the continued health and wellbeing of both playing groups,” the statement mentioned.

“Once the findings of this review have been received, CSA and ECB will then discuss how best to proceed concerning the remaining two matches of this ODI Series,” it added.

The coronavirus seems to have cast a shadow on the ODI series. In the worst case scenario, the ODI series might get cancelled if the two positive cases in the England camp are confirmed. In the best case scenario, the remaining two ODIs can take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Quinton De Kock is the captain under tremendous pressure after having lost the T20I series, 3-0 to the visitors.

If the two England players return positive tests, they will have to a undergo a ten day mandatory isolation period in Cape Town. Hence, they will not be taking the flight back home on Thursday, with the rest of the squad.