The first ODI between South Africa and England to be played at Paarl on Sunday, December 6, 2020, was called off and there is a clear possibility of all the three matches been scrapped, as the COVID-19 crisis deepened.

The first ODI was supposed to be played on December 4, but after Corona positive cases were found in the South African camp, the match was postponed to December 6.

However, things worsened, as two members of hotel staff where both squads are staying were found to have contracted Covid-19, prompting England to re-test their party on Saturday evening.

SA v ENG 2020: South African team doctor worried over bubble breach after first ODI postponement

South Africa's squad was re-tested on Friday evening and returned a full set of negative results. England was not tested at that stage, as their Thursday tests were all negative. However, when the hotel staff's results were received, England was then tested again and are now awaiting the ratified results before playing.

CSA and the ECB said the start would be delayed, but just less than half-an-hour before the first ball was due to be bowled the news that the game had been called off was broadcast by the rights holders.

A statement was issued by both boards confirmed the delay, saying, "The England players and management underwent an additional round of PCR tests on Saturday evening, after two members of the hotel staff testing positive for Covid-19," it said. "Whilst the ECB awaits ratification of those test results the decision has been taken to delay the start of today's ODI match."

(Cricbuzz inputs)