One more South Africa cricketer tests positive for COVID-19; intra-squad warm-up match called off

South African cricket has been jostling with concerns ahead of their ODI and T20I series against England, starting Friday, November 27. After one of their cricketers from their 24-member squad tested positive for COVID-19, another cricketer, on Friday, November 20, fell prey to the coronavirus.

The name of the player hasn’t been revealed and he has been sent in isolation. Cricket South Africa, through a statement, put forth the revelations. Due to the latest turn of events, their intra-squad match, scheduled to get underway on November 21, also had to be called off.

The Proteas cricket board said that the case is “unrelated to the first one” and the cricketer has been given “separate, appropriate accommodation with immediate effect.”

South Africa fighting with COVID concerns
“Cricket South Africa would like to reiterate that it will not release names of affected players because of doctor-patient confidentiality,” the statement mentioned, reported by Hindustan Times.

“Team management and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are in close communication with their counterparts from the England Cricket Board (ECB) to ensure full transparency and the most responsible plan of action going forward.”

With the practice match not taking place, Stefan Tait and Marco Marais, who both were called up to assist the team, won’t be joining the squad.

In the meantime, the England players have returned negative tests upon their arrival in Cape Town. The Three Lions are set to play their warm-up match at the Newlands on Saturday. On Monday, November 23, the Brits will be taking part in another practice game at the Boland Park in Paarl.

In fact, Cape Town and Paarl are the hosts for the three T20Is and as many ODIs. Earlier this year, England visited the African nation and won the T20I and Test series. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the team have already played home series against West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and Australia. A few of their players are also fresh from playing in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

South Africa, on the other hand, have been involved in boardroom controversies and coronavirus related concerns. Mark Boucher, their head coach, also had coronavirus earlier this year, but he somehow managed to recover.