England’s tour of South Africa has been called-off considering the rise of COVID-19 in the country. English players will return back to their country as the rest of the tournament has been cancelled. The news was confirmed on Monday December 7, when the second ODI between South Africa and England was scheduled to be played. South African board seemingly failed to smoothly conduct a cricketing event in their country as plenty of COVID-19 rules and regulations were breached during England’s tour of South Africa.
England Tour of South Africa is called-off
South Africa were supposed to host England for their second ODI on Monday but the match was later called-off as couple of unverified players in England’s squad were reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. The two players were being individually examined as the board decided it will be very unsafe for the rest of the players to carry on with the tournament. The news of the cancellation was confirmed by CSA and ECB in a joint statement.
CSA and ECB’s Statement
The ECB and CSA have agreed to postpone the remaining matches in the current men’s ODI Series.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2020
The first ODI, which was supposed to be played on Friday December 4, was post-ponded till Sunday. Apparently, one of the players from the South African squad was tested positive for COVID-19 on the day of the 1st ODI. The unnamed South African player was separated from the team, as rest of the players tested negative for the deadly disease.
Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have always maintained that the welfare of our players and management is paramount. 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.
“I would like to thank the ECB for the continued positive relations, and we look forward to hosting the England men’s team in the near future.”
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