SA v ENG 2020: Two members of England contingent return unconfirmed COVID-19 positive results

The first match was called off after two hotel staff members tested positive for the deadly virus.

The first match was called off after two hotel staff members tested positive for the deadly virus | GettyThe first ODI between South Africa and England was eventually called-off by mutual agreement of both the cricketing boards, after it was postponed to December 6, from December 4.

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 got worse 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: First ODI abandoned as COVID-19 crisis deepens; hotel staff tests positive for virus

Now as per England and Wales Cricket Board website, following the test results, two members of the England touring party have returned unconfirmed positive tests for COVID-19. The players and management are now self-isolating in their rooms until further advice from the medical teams.

A decision on the remaining matches in the series will be taken once the results of the tests are ratified independently by medical experts.

Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men's Cricket, said: "We regret that we are unable to play in today’s ODI, but the welfare of the players and support staff is our primary concern and whilst we await the results of further tests the medical advice from both teams was that this game should not take place.

We remain in constant dialogue with Cricket South Africa and will continue to work closely with them to determine how best to move forward.”

We are deeply regretful of the situation we find ourselves in after the amount of time and energy that has been put in place to host a successful tour. We are in continuous talks with the ECB as we navigate the situation under the guidance of our combined medical teams,” CSA Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith said.

(ECB official website inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 06 Dec, 2020

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