Eoin Morgan and England must wait as South Africa ODI delayed due to Covid scare
England’s one-day tour against South Africa took another dramatic turn on Sunday, with the rescheduled series opener delayed following a coronavirus scare at the team hotel.
The first match of the series was postponed on Friday after a member of the Proteas squad tested positive, but the boards agreed to resume after the Proteas returned a full round of negatives on Saturday morning.
But there was another twist on Sunday when it emerged that two members of England’s dedicated staff at the Vineyard Hotel had tested positive for Covid-19.
The ECB and Cricket South Africa have agreed to delay the start time for today’s ODI in Paarl.
More: https://t.co/vOif5CQyuM #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/sHs4lelYI0
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 6, 2020
The England squad and backroom staff received a fresh round of tests on Saturday evening and the game, due to start at 8am GMT, was delayed pending the results.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: “Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have agreed to delay the start time for today’s one-day international match, which is due to take place in Paarl.
“The England players and management underwent an additional round of PCR tests on Saturday evening, after two members of the hotel staff tested positive for Covid-19.
“While the ECB awaits ratification of those test results the decision has been taken to delay the start of today’s ODI match. Further information will be provided in due course.”
Latest
-
NewsMCC stresses requirement for law change to permit use of bamboo cricket bats
A Cambridge University study suggested a prototype bamboo bat was stronger, more sustainable and cheaper to produce than the willow blade.
-
NewsTymal Mills says initiatives are more important to cricket than taking a knee
The Sussex left-arm paceman feels inclusive schemes will prove more significant than gestures in broadening cricket’s appeal in years to come.
-
NewsAshley Giles will not allow England commitments to play second fiddle to IPL
Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler could find themselves involved in a calendar clash.
-
NewsAshley Giles hints at possible new faces for England in New Zealand series
Giles suggested players who recently returned from the postponed Indian Premier League into quarantine may be eased back into action gently.
-
NewsCraig Overton and Lyndon James star in big wins for Somerset and Nottinghamshire
The paceman picked up five second innings wickets to set up victory.
-
NewsGloucestershire escape the bad weather as David Payne rolls over Middlesex
The seamer claimed six for 56 and 10 wickets in the match as the visitors secured a comfortable win.
-
NewsOn this day in 2004: Muttiah Muralitharan beats Shane Warne to Test record
Muralitharan surpassed Courtney Walsh’s mark of 519 Test wickets.
-
NewsCraig Overton displays all-round talents to put Somerset on top
James Bracey also excelled as Gloucestershire pushed for victory over Middlesex.
-
NewsNottinghamshire in control against Essex as 15 wickets fall at Trent Bridge
James Anderson removed Marnus Labuschagne cheaply.
-
NewsEngland could stage remaining IPL games in September as counties contact ECB
It is believed the matches could be wrapped up in little over a fortnight if a model of two games a day and three on weekends was adopted.