South Africa’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series opener against England was postponed after one of the local players tested positive for coronavirus.
The decision was announced before the game’s scheduled start on Friday, December 4, and the first game of the series will now be played in Paarl on Sunday, December 6. The second ODI will now be played on Monday, December 7 in Cape Town, and the final game of the series will not move from Wednesday, December 9.
In a statement, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said: “In the interests of the safety and well-being of both teams, the match officials and everyone involved in the match, CSA Acting CEO Kugandrie Govender, as well as CEO from the ECB, Tom Harrison, has agreed to postpone the first game to Sunday. “
England’s Managing Director of Men’s Cricket Ashley Giles echoed the sentiment and remained optimistic that the series will go ahead according to the revised schedule.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of the England team and the management group, and the right decision was made after discussions between the two Boards and the respective medical teams,” he said. “England’s game will remain at its base in Cape Town on Friday and Saturday, and we are hopeful that the three-game series will be played before leaving next Thursday, starting with the game in Paarl on Sunday.
With CWC Super League points on the line, both sides will be eager for good performances. The series is South Africa’s first in the tournament, but a 3-0 series win could see them second in the standings, a spot currently held by England, which is 10 points behind Australia in first place.
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