The second ODI between hosts South Africa and England "will now not take place" as originally scheduled on Monday (December 7) after independent verification of two unconfirmed COVID-19 positive cases within the visiting camp.
The suspension of the fixture was announced by CSA and ECB in a joint statement that was issued just after the already rescheduled first one-dayer in Paarl was abandoned on Sunday.
Read Also: Two members of England contingent return unconfirmed COVID-19 positive results
Initially, the series was due to kickstart last Friday (December 4) but the opener was called off just an hour before the toss amid scares after one South African had tested positive. That evening, the entire home team camp tested negative of the virus, while the positive cricketer was isolated separately from the rest.
A new schedule was then agreed upon by both the sides, which would've witnessed the first one-dayer on Sunday followed by matches this Monday and Wednesday.
However, the Paarl's series opener was first delayed and ultimately cancelled "after two members of staff at the Vineyard Hotel, where both teams are staying, returned positive test results for COVID-19 the previous day", reported Cricbuzz. "Following that development, England's touring party was tested on Saturday evening and the ECB confirmed on Sunday morning that those tests had returned two 'unconfirmed' positive results."
"Once that news came through, England's players and coaching staff were isolated in their rooms although they were allowed out later in the day. Independent ratification of the two results was requested and the outcome was still outstanding on Sunday evening, which is when Cricket South Africa and the ECB confirmed that the second ODI would not take place on Monday."
The joint release from both the boards stated, "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."
"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."
How exactly will the series take place in such circumstances is anyone's guess, especially if the two positive tests from the visitors' camp are confirmed.
Also, in case those tests turn out negative later, the cloud of uncertainty will still loom large over the series with CSA still enquiring over the breach of the bio-security bubble by the home team.
If the authorities feel players' security can't be guaranteed, the series will be cancelled entirely.
England's touring contingent is due to fly back home on Thursday (December 10) but the players will miss the chartered flight if those two positive cases are confirmed. In that scenario, the visitors "face a ten-day isolation period in Cape Town while anyone who has come into close contact with them may also be required to isolate".
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
