Another Proteas player has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the limited-over matches against England, bringing the number of people to contract the virus in the camp to two.
In preparation for the return of international cricket in the country, both teams have been undergoing tests before entering a bio-secure bubble.
Proteas intra-squad match cancelled
A second mandatory round of COVID-19 testing took place in Cape Town on Thursday, two days before the hosts were due to partake in an intra-squad practice match.
According to Cricket South Africa (CSA), results have come in indicating that one unnamed player has contracted the coronavirus. This has prompted the cancellation of the practice match.
“The player was isolated from the rest of the team and moved to separate, appropriate accommodation with immediate effect,” Cricket South Africa said in a statement. “The team’s medical and support staff will monitor the player to ensure his physical health and mental well-being.”
Cricket South Africa
CSA added that it is in constant communication with the England Cricket Broad to ensure “full transparency”.
Earlier in the week, one other player returned positive tests for COVID-19 and was also immediately isolated from the rest of the 24-man squad.
Warriors duo Stefan Tait and Marco Marais were then called up to take part in the intra-squad match. Both players have since been released back to their franchise.
South Africa and England lock horns in three T20 Internationals (T20I) and as many One Day Internationals (ODI) beginning on Friday, 27 November at Newlands in Cape Town.
All matches between the two nations will take place across two venues in the Western Cape, with Boland Park in Paarl the other stadium to share hosting duties.
England tour to South Africa: Full list of fixtures
Friday 27 November: 1st T20I South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (18:00 SAST)
Sunday 29 November: 2nd T20I South Africa v England, Boland Park, Paarl (14:30 SAST)
Tuesday 1 December: 3rd T20I South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (18:00 SAST)
Friday 4 December: 1st ODI South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (13:00 SAST)
Sunday 6 December: 2nd ODI South Africa v England, Boland Park, Cape Town (10:00 SAST)
Wednesday 9 December: 3rd ODI South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town (13:00 SAST)
Thursday 10 December: Touring party departs from Cape Town to London
