ECB insists safety and health of England squad not compromised

The England and Wales Cricket Board insists their decision to use alternative net facilities at Newlands “did not compromise the safety and health” of the squad on their abandoned tour of South Africa.
England practised at the ground on the eve of the doomed one-day international series but were unhappy with what they decided were “unacceptable” pitches on the square.
While they were used for a variety of drills, the main batting work was done in a dedicated training area in a part of the ground that is currently under reconstruction, which outside contractors had access to.
Both ESPNCricinfo and Cricbuzz report that an email was sent by Western Province officials declaring that England were using that part of the ground at “their own risk”.
Facilities not of international standard
A statement read: “On arrival at Newlands on 3 December, we advised the venue that the three nets provided on the main pitch were not of a standard for conducive practice, as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the respective boards.
“Batsmen were unable to face seam bowlers on the nets on the main pitch as the surfaces were rendered and unacceptable.
“We requested with CSA that we would like to use the practice nets and that we would create a security cordon to ensure the players and coaches could enter the facility safely, as done previously on 28 November. This was confirmed by England’s security team, the team operations manager and the team doctor. We were satisfied with this outcome and we were able to practice in the net facility safely.
Yep. It sure has. pic.twitter.com/OnrPt0rNmc
— Rory Dollard (@thervd) December 4, 2020
“The team also used the main outfield for fielding drills, a seam bowlers bowl through pitch and a number of nets were used for range-hitting against spin bowlers and coaches throws.
“As far as the England touring party are concerned, the safety and health of our players and coaches was not compromised.”
Ashley Giles, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, later spoke about England’s worries over the integrity of the controlled bubble on offer.

“There’s clearly concern when infections spring up in what is supposed to be a bio-secure environment,” he said.
“That definitely creates a level of anxiety and nervousness and that’s about us working with Cricket South Africa. I’m sure they’ll do their own investigation.
“At the moment I don’t think there’s anyone who can tell us where these instances have sprung up from. It will be a concern for them and in our group it created a great deal of anxiety.
“We did very well in the summer to avoid situations like this but we’ll work with Cricket South Africa. You’re always learning from these situations. This is our first tour abroad since the pandemic really kicked in so we’re always learning and we’ll take further lessons into our next two tours as well.”
Latest
-
News
Olly Stone ready for whatever role is required to make England World Cup squad
‘Any way in the England team, I’ll snap someone’s hand off,’ said Stone.
-
Women's Cricket
Dane van Niekerk ‘absolutely broken’ to miss World Cup over fitness standards
The South Africa captain was unable to complete a two-kilometre run in the minimum required time.
-
England
Run of defeats has not damaged England’s confidence, insists Moeen Ali
The all-rounder is confident England will be in good shape for the defence of their World Cup crown.
-
County Cricket
Lancashire sign New Zealand pair Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme
The all-rounders will be available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season.
-
England
Jos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South Africa
Temba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
England
Jos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
England
Jason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
England
England batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.
-
England
Jofra Archer will ‘get better and better’ but England batting needs more bite
Archer took one for 81 on a hot and sunny afternoon in Bloemfontein.