South Africa v England: First ODI cancelled again after two positive tests at hotel

The decision came after two members of staff at the hotel where both teams are staying tested positive for Covid-19

The first ODI between South Africa and England has been called off for a second time in three days, leaving the future of the tour in jeopardy.

This time, the decision came half an hour before the scheduled start after two members of staff at the hotel where both teams are staying tested positive for Covid-19.

As a precaution, England players and management also underwent an additional round of testing on Saturday evening. Following the test results, two members of the England touring party have returned unconfirmed positive tests for Covid-19, with players and management now self-isolating in their rooms until further advice from the medical teams.

A joint statement from the ECB and Cricket South Africa declared: “A decision on the remaining matches in the series will be taken once the results of the tests are ratified independently by medical experts.”

The first match, which was scheduled to take place at Newlands on Friday, was initially postponed after an unnamed player in South Africa’s squad recorded a positive coronavirus test.

The schedule for the series was then altered so as to begin on Sunday at Paarl, with the second and third games taking place on Monday and Wednesday in Cape Town.

Those rearrangements followed news on Saturday that the rest of South Africa’s 18-man squad had all tested negative, allaying fears of a spread across the hosts’ group.

However, the remaining games are now subject to significant doubt, with England due to fly home on Thursday.

^{The first ODI was initially due to be played on Friday}

Ashley Giles, managing director for 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.”

CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith added: “CSA is doing everything in our power to ensure that our top priority, which is the health, safety and welfare of players, support staff and all involved in this series is safeguarded. With that in mind, we have made the joint decision to cancel today’s match.

“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.”

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