Two members of South African men’s cricket team test positive for COVID-19

The tests were conducted ahead of the men's team culture camp.

Two members of the South African men’s cricket team have tested positive for the novel Coronavirus, CSA confirmed it on Thursday (August 20) through a media release.

The statement said 50 tests were carried out on players and support staff, out of which two players returned COVID-19 positive.

The tests were conducted ahead of the men's team culture camp, comprising 32 players in Skukuza from August 18 to 22. The two infected cricketers will now miss the camp as they have begun isolation protocol.

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"The testing is in line with fulfilling the organization's obligation and commitment to control the spread of the virus," the CSA said in a statement. "There were no replacements made for the two players who tested positive. All those unable to attend the camp will join the proceedings virtually."

The release also said Faf du Plessis couldn’t attend the camp "due to the imminent birth" of his second child.

The culture camp is being organised in the wake of the increasing racial polarisation in South African cricket. The cricketers are meant to have a workshop around the team's identity and outline performance goals in the camp.

The following players were to participate in the camp:

Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, Anrich Nortje, Beuran Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, Daryn Dupavillon, David Miller, Dean Elgar, Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Glenton Stuurman, Heinrich Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Jon-Jon Smuts, Junior Dala, Kagiso Rabada, Keegan Petersen, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Verryenne, Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla, Pieter Malan, Pite Van Biljon, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Rudi Second, Senuran Muthusamy, Sisanda Magala, Tabraiz Shamsi, Temba Bavuma, Zubayr Hamza.

(Inputs from ESPNcricinfo)