Eoin Morgan and England must wait as South Africa ODI delayed due to Covid scare

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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 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.”

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