Two South Africa men’s cricketers test positive for coronavirus

Two South Africa men’s cricketers have tested positive for coronavirus. Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the development in a media release on Thursday (20th August). CSA had conducted 50 tests on players and support staff assembled for a culture camp. The cricket board did not disclose the names of the two players.

The tests were carried out before the men’s team culture camp was being organised in Skukuza from August 18 to 22. The camp included a total of 32 players. The two players who tested positive will not feature in the camp as they have begun their isolation protocol.

“The testing is in line with fulfilling the organisation’s obligation and commitment to control the spread of the virus. There were no replacements made for the two players who tested positive. All those unable to attend the camp will join the proceedings virtually,” the CSA statement said.

Faf du Plessis has stayed away from the camp “due to the imminent birth” of his second child. The South African captain has been blessed with a baby girl and made the announcement from his official Instagram handle.

Also read: Faf du Plessis welcomes second child with wife Imari

The culture camp is being held to educate players against the increasing racial polarization in South African cricket. The topics to be workshopped by the players and team management include;  “The team’s identity, The team environment, and Team performance”.

Team manager, Khomotso Volvo Masubelele explained the motive behind staging this camp. “It was very important for us during the break that the COVID-19 pandemic has created to get the guys to reconnect while our FTP (Future Tours Programme) was getting sorted out. We felt that it was important for the guys to come together to engage on some of the critical issues surrounding the team or elements that need attention”.