England’s tour of the South Africa ODI series has been called off after two unnamed members of the tourists contracted the deadly Coronavirus. The Sunday ODI, like the Friday game, was called off due to the COVID scare. While it was believed that the English side would wait for the results of the tests to come in, the confirmation that the tour was abandoned came on Monday evening.
The ECB and CSA have agreed to postpone the remaining matches in the current men’s ODI Series.
The England Cricket Board (ECB) released a statement saying their use of nets at Newlands came as a result of “unacceptable” practice facilities in Cape Town.
“Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have agreed to postpone the remaining matches in the current Betway One-Day International (ODI) Series,” a joint statement said.
“The decision was taken jointly by the two Boards to ensure the mental and physical health and welfare of players from both teams.”
First, a South African player tested positive, and then two members of the hotel staff also contracted the virus. Following that, a couple of members of the touring side returned with what was described as “unconfirmed positive tests” on Sunday.
England will now return home without playing the ODI series.
Earlier in the tour, England whitewashed South Africa in the three-match T20I series and had the momentum on their side.
This is not the only sporting event that has been hit by COVID. Major sporting events like the Olympics and the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup have also been postponed, while some tournaments have been canceled.
