The second ODI between England and South Africa, which was set to take place on Monday, December 7, at the Newlands in Cape Town, won’t be going ahead as per schedule due to two unconfirmed COVID-19 positive cases in the English camp. The cases are currently, independently, being verified and results of the same are awaited.

The development was put forth by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) in a joint statement that was issued after the first ODI was abandoned. The opening game was scheduled to take place on Friday, December 4, but was postponed on the morning of the match after an unnamed cricketer was tested positive for coronavirus.

Sunday’s match was cancelled after two staff members at the Vineyard Hotel returned COVID positive results. Thereafter, on Saturday, England’s contingent underwent a test after which the ECB confirmed the two “unconfirmed positive results“. After all sorts of chaos, the decision of shelving the second ODI was taken by the two boards.

England-South Africa series in doubt

“The second one-day international between South Africa and England, which is due to take place at Newlands, Cape Town, will now not take place on Monday 7 December,” a joint statement from both the boards mentioned, reported by Cricbuzz.

“The decision has been taken by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) whilst they await the outcome of the independent ratification of the two unconfirmed positive COVID-19 tests from the England camp and the continued health and wellbeing of both playing groups,” the statement mentioned.

“Once the findings of this review have been received, CSA and ECB will then discuss how best to proceed concerning the remaining two matches of this ODI Series,” it added.

The coronavirus hurdles have cast a shadow on the ongoing ODI series. In the best-case scenario, Tuesday and Wednesday can be the dates for the remaining two matches. However, if the cases in the English camp are confirmed, the series may get cancelled.

If the English players return positive tests, then they will have to go through a 10-day isolation period in Cape Town. It would mean that they won’t be taking the chartered plane for home with the squad on Thursday.