SA v ENG 2020: Series facing COVID-19 scare after home team report another positive case 

South Africa now have four players under isolation with two of them COVID-19 positive.

The series is due to start on November 27 in Cape Town | GettyCricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday (November 20) confirmed the news of another Proteas player testing COVID-19 positive ahead of the limited-overs series at home versus England. 

The development lengthens the shadow of the pandemic on the much-anticipated England visit as only earlier this week the CSA had informed of the first case of Coronavirus contraction in their squad. 

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At the time, CSA had put that player, as well as two others who may have been in his close contact, under isolation. The same procedure has been followed for the latest victim of the virus and he has been "moved to separate, appropriate accommodation with immediate effect."

However, multiple cases bring a scare on the series, with the English team also staying at the same hotel as their South African counterparts. 

“Team management and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are in close communication with their counterparts from the England Cricket Board (ECB) to ensure full transparency and the most responsible plan of action going forward," CSA said in a media release. 

As previously, CSA didn't disclose the name of the second positive reported player either because of the doctor-patient confidentiality. The case was brought to light after second round of testing of the players and officials. 

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on its part, has found no positive case in the touring camp yet and England can go ahead organising their intra-squad match as part of preparations for the series comprising 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs. 

South African team management, however, had to cancel their own practise match which was scheduled for Saturday (November 21).

Both the set of players while finishing their 10-day quarantine, are being allowed to train in slightly relaxed bio-secure protocols for what is England's first trip amid the pandemic and South Africa's return to international cricket since March. 

Cape Town and Paarl have been shrewdly named the venues for the series in order to limit the travelling for players and all else involved. 

The series opens up with the first of three T20Is on November 27. 

(Inputs from AP)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 21 Nov, 2020

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