England Tour Of South Africa Called Off Without Playing ODI Series Due To COVID-19 Outbreak

The ODI series between South Africa and England has been called off after the coronavirus positive cases found in both the camps and in the hotel where they are staying. The coronavirus has already hashed the cricket schedules, and the cancellation of this series is a big warning for everyone that the bio-bubble should be enforced strictly.

The opening match of the ODI series was postponed after a member in the South African squad, whose name has not been disclosed, turned out positive for the virus. Currently, he has been isolated from the group, but the rest of the home squad returned negative tests on Friday evening.

Cricket South Africa and England and Wales Cricket Board chalked out a new schedule according to which the first game was set for Sunday at Boland Park in Paarl, which was originally due to be the second match of the series, and further matches on Monday and Wednesday at Newlands.

Two “unconfirmed” positive results in England camp

However, the match in Paarl was initially delayed and then eventually cancelled on Sunday after two members of staff at the Vineyard Hotel, where both teams are staying, returned positive test results for COVID-19 the previous day. Following that development, England’s touring party was tested on Saturday evening, and the ECB confirmed on Sunday morning that those tests had returned two “unconfirmed” positive results.

But according to ESPNcricinfo, the decision to abandon the tour came at the behest of the ECB. England is due to fly home on a chartered flight on Thursday and with the squad still awaiting the ratification of two unconfirmed positive tests within the England camp.

Earlier, South Africa and England had played three-match T20I series where the visitors clean sweep the host comfortably.