England hopeful South Africa ODIs will go ahead after Covid-19 scare

The first one-day international in Cape Town on Friday (December 4) was pulled after a positive test in the Proteas' squad, but the series will go ahead

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England remain optimistic the three-match one-day international series against South Africa will go ahead without further disruption after the opening match of the series was postponed due to a minor Covid-19 outbreak.

An unnamed Proteas player tested positive for coronavirus during routine testing on the eve of the match in Cape Town.

The series will now kick off in Paarl on Sunday (December 6) with the second ODI moved to Monday (December 7) back in Cape Town.

As scheduled, the concluding match of the tour will be held on Wednesday (December 9) at Newlands.

Managing director of England men's cricket Ashley Giles said: "On behalf of the England touring party and the ECB, I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for their collaborative approach to postponing today's one-day international.

“Our number one priority is the health and safety of the England team and management group, and the correct decision was made following discussions between the two boards and respective medical teams.

”The England party will remain at its base in Cape Town on Friday and Saturday, and we are hopeful that the three-match series will be played before we depart next Thursday starting with the match at Paarl on Sunday.“

In the first leg of the white-ball tour, Eoin Morgan's men won the T20 series 3-0.

A statement from CSA confirmed the decision was taken "in the interests of the safety and well-being of both teams".

Last month, two players part of the South Africa squad tested positive for coronavirus while several close contacts were forced to self-isolate.

The whole of England's party have returned negative tests throughout the tour, including during the last batch of matches.

Revised fixtures:

FIRST ODI: Boland Park, Paarl (Sunday, December 6, 8am GMT, 10am local time)

SECOND ODI: Newlands, Cape Town (Monday, December 7, 11am GMT, 1pm local time)

THIRD ODI: Newlands, Cape Town (Wednesday, December 8, 11am GMT, 1pm local time)

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