SA vs ENG: South Africa-England ODI series suspended amidst COVID-19 scare

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have agreed to postpone the remaining matches in the ongoing men’s ODI Series. The first of the three-match ODI series was supposed to take place on 4th December but it was postponed and eventually cancelled after two members of the hotel staff were found positive for coronavirus.

The second ODI between England and South Africa, which was set to take place on Monday, December 7, at the Newlands in Cape Town, was also postponed due to two unconfirmed COVID-19 positive cases in the English camp. The boards then together decided to postpone the series.

In a joint statement, the board leaders confirmed the development.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “We were concerned about the potential impact that recent developments might have on the wellbeing of the touring party, and so after consultation with Cricket South Africa, we have jointly made the decision to postpone the remaining matches in this Series, in the best interest of the players’ welfare. I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for their support and understanding on this matter and look forward to working with them to identify a time when we can return to play these fixtures in the future.”

CSA Acting CEO, Kugandrie Govender said: “The concern over the mental health impact of recent events on all involved is not one that we as CSA or the ECB take lightly, and the decision to postpone the tour is the most responsible and reasonable course of action for us.”

These two nations did play three T20Is as scheduled. England completed a clean sweep as they won 3-0. However, the three-match ODI series, which should have started on Friday, was delayed three times in four days because of positive tests for COVID-19 in both squads and at their shared hotel in Cape Town. The revised dates are not announced yet.