[ad_1]
A revised Proteas squad without Beuran Hendricks and Keegan Petersen has received a certificate of good health in the run-up to the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka in Pretoria.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that the third and final round of Covid-19 testing took place on Tuesday morning with the entire Proteas team coming back negative.
This now means the Proteas can further intensify their preparations and begin training as a full team for the clash at SuperSport Park, which begins at 10:00 on Saturday, December 26.
Despite the good news, South Africa and Sri Lanka will not rest on their laurels as Protea’s recently concluded white-ball series against England ended in bitter circumstances as various coronavirus concerns caused the tour to be abandoned with only the T20 of three games. series that is being completed.
Earlier in the week, Proteas Test skipper Quinton de Kock admitted that players have their own responsibility to keep the bio-bubble safe before and during the series.
“During the series, we have protocols that have bypassed us and from day one, everyone has adhered to them,” De Kock said.
“We have a bit of responsibility, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle. It’s a small part that we have to pay to make sure we can organize future tours during Covid times. Unfortunately, as players we can’t do much, so we’ve to make sure our bubble stays safe. “
Sri Lanka’s head coach Mickey Arthur insisted his team feels comfortable and safe in CSA’s biosecurity bubble.
“We are well cared for, the bubble here is very good,” Arthur said.
“We are really comfortable and happy with the arrangements that Cricket South Africa has put in place at the moment. Security is particularly tight, we are tested every three days, it is different … but we are well cared for.”
Protea Squad
Quinton de Kock (captain, Titans), Temba Bavuma (Lions), Aiden Markram (Titans), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Dean Elgar (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Sarel Erwee (Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (Corporal Cobras), Migael Pretorius (Knights), Dwaine Pretorius (Lions), Lutho Sipamla ( Lions), Raynard van Tonder (Knights).
– Compiled by Sport24 staff