Why has South Africa vs England 1st ODI in Cape Town been postponed?

South Africa vs England 1st ODI: The first ODI between South Africa and England has been postponed to Sunday, i.e., December 6.

In addition to a three-match T20I series between Australia and India, another intriguing bilateral series which was scheduled to begin today was a three-match ODI series between South Africa and England.

Having said that, the same has been postponed to December 6 after a South African player has tested positive for COVID-19. The same was made public around an hour before the start of play in Cape Town.

While there have been reports of a bio-bubble breach after the conclusion of a three-match T20I series, the same is yet to be confirmed. Players have tested for COVID-19 amidst an international series this year but this is the first time when the same has resulted in the postponement of the match.

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All the players and support staff involved in the series will now undergo COVID-19 tests before the first ODI which is now been rescheduled to Sunday.

Why has South Africa vs England 1st ODI in Cape Town been postponed?

“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,” Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

South Africa vs England ODI series latest schedule:

December 6 (Sunday) – 1st ODI, Paarl

December 7 (Sunday) – 2nd ODI, Cape Town

December 9 (Sunday) – 3rd ODI, Cape Town