Two South African players named for the home series against Sri Lanka have tested positive for Coronavirus on Friday. The Proteas contingent is already under the bio-bubble, preparing for the two-match Test series starting with the Boxing Day on December 26.
“The players will no longer form part of the Test team and will observe the Covid-19 protocols, including isolating with immediate effect. CSA’s medical team will monitor them to ensure their health and well-being,” said a CSA statement.
“CSA can also confirm that no other players in the currently named squad were deemed close contacts after contact tracing procedures were conducted,” it said.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) had named three players as COVID-19 replacements during the Betway Test series against Sri Lanka. The board included Raynard van Tonder, all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius, and seamer Lutho Cipalma in the squad.
This week the domestic cricket in South Africa was called off after a player tested positive in a game between Titans and Dolphins.
“The decision to postpone the upcoming round of four-day matches, which were scheduled from December 20-23, comes in light of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic which is currently affecting South Africa. In addition, some of the host stadiums are in Covid-19 hotspots,” CSA had said.
“In the interest of Cricket South Africa’s duty of care to its franchise players, support staff and stadium personnel and in accordance with Government health and safety regulations, CSA has opted to postpone the final round of domestic fixtures of 2020,” Graeme Smith, Director of Cricket at CSA said.
