The 1st ODI between South Africa and England at Newlands was called off just an hour before the start of play on Friday after a member of the home team’s squad tested positive for COVID-19.
South Africa vs England 1st ODI Cancelled
Both squads underwent their latest round of testing on Thursday and, following the emergence of a positive result among the South Africa squad, a decision was made to move the start of the three-match series to Sunday in Paarl.
The second match will now be staged on Monday before the final fixture on Wednesday, both of which are due to take place at Newlands. It represents the third positive test result among the 24-man South Africa squad since the start of the tour.
South Africa Statement
A statement from Cricket South Africa read: “CSA and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) would like to announce the postponement of the first Betway One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series to Sunday, 06 December 2020.
“This decision results from a player from the Proteas team testing positive for Covid-19 after the teams’ last round of scheduled testing performed on Thursday ahead of the ODIs.
“In the interests of the safety and well-being of both teams, match officials and all involved in the match, the Acting CEO of CSA, Kugandrie Govender as well as the CEO of the ECB, Tom Harrison, have agreed to postpone the first fixture to Sunday.”
South Africa reported one positive test before the squad came together on 18 November, with a second then-emerging two days later. David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo were believed to be the players in question, with two unnamed members of the Proteas set-up also forced to isolate.
The pair missed the three-match Twenty20 series that went ahead as scheduled – England emerging with a 3-0 clean sweep – but expected to return on Friday for the first of three one-day internationals that count towards World Cup qualification.
Also read: South Africa vs England Schedule and Squad Announced
