A South Africa player tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of England series

England’s tour of South Africa is about to get underway from 27th November. However, just one week before the first game, one of South Africa’s players has tested positive for Covid-19. He has been kept under isolation in Cape Town itself, where the team is training. Notably, this is South Africa’s first assignment after Covid-19 break.

Apart from the player, two other players who were in close contact with the infected one have also been isolated in Cape Town. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) released a statement on Wednesday that they are asymptomatic but the doctors will continue to monitor them. All three cricketers are still unidentified.

“One player has returned a positive test result and two players were considered close contacts based on the risk assessment undertaken by the medical team,” the statement read according to Times of India. “All three players have been placed in immediate isolation in Cape Town as part of the COVID-19 protocols. While all players are asymptomatic, CSA’s medical team will monitor them to ensure their health and well-being.”

South Africa has decided not to replace any of the players as well. As it is a home series, replacing players would have been easy but CSA hasn’t named any replacement. However, two players will be added to the squad for the inter-squad match before the first T20I.

“At this stage, none of these players will be replaced for the tour, but two replacement players will be included into the squad for the inter-squad practice matches that will be played on Saturday, 21 November,” the statement further read.

Big series for South Africa

South Africa will have a major challenge in this series as they will be up against the dominating English side. The brits have several big players in their team and they are the World champions of ODI cricket as well. Though South Africa have a strong unit, their team hasn’t been at its best in recent years.

Quinton de Kock will be leading the young side which will play 3 T20Is and as many ODIs in their backyard. They would be relying on their star players for a special performance if they want out to outplay England. All three of Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock had an amazing IPL season and the team would hope for them to step up for the proteas in a similar fashion.