England ODI series in South Africa OFF after postponement

Two unconfirmed cases of Covid-19 in the touring party has ended any hopes of the 50-over matches going ahead

• Second South Africa-England ODI postponed
• South Africa v England: First ODI cancelled again after two positive tests at hotel

South Africa and England's one-day international series has been postponed.

Two unconfirmed cases of Covid-19 in the tourists' camp has ended hopes of the 50-over series going ahead.

Three matches in Paarl and Cape Town were originally scheduled off the back of the T20 series.

Both Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board will hold talks in an effort to reschedule the matches, which make up part of the ICC Cricket Men's Super League.

Tom Harrison, ECB chief-executive, said: "We have always maintained that the welfare of our players and management is paramount. We were concerned about the potential impact that recent developments might have on the wellbeing of the touring party, and so after consultation with Cricket South Africa, we have jointly made the decision to postpone the remaining matches in this series, in the best interest of the players’ welfare."

CSA acting chief-executive Kugandrie Govender added: "The concern over the mental health impact of recent events on all involved is not one that we as CSA or the ECB take lightly, and the decision to postpone the tour is the most responsible and reasonable course of action for us."

The series has been under threat ever since a third South Africa player tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the first ODI, which was originally scheduled to take place on Friday (December 4).

Though the remaining 18 players in The Proteas squad came through a round of testing, two staff working at the hotel where both squads are staying returned positive results leading to the opening match of the series being abandoned completely.

The second ODI, set for Monday (December 7), was then postponed as the ECB awaited for two unconfirmed positives to be ratified independently

There was hope matches could be held on Tuesday and Wednesday (December 8 and 9) but the decision has instead been taken to curtail the tour.

It remains to be seen how those who have tested positive - if and when they are officially ratified - including anyone who is deemed to have been in close contact, affect the travel plans of the squad.

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