The ODI match between South Africa and England was called off just an hour before the match was due to start at Newlands in Cape Town. AFP
The ODI match between South Africa and England was called off just an hour before the match was due to start at Newlands in Cape Town. AFP
The ODI match between South Africa and England was called off just an hour before the match was due to start at Newlands in Cape Town. AFP
The ODI match between South Africa and England was called off just an hour before the match was due to start at Newlands in Cape Town. AFP

First ODI between South Africa and England postponed after player tests positive for coronavirus


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The first one-day international between South Africa and England, due to take place on Friday, has been postponed after a player tested positive for Covid-19.

Cricket South Africa made the announcement just an hour before the day-night match at Newlands in Cape Town was due to start.

According to a joint statement from CSA and the England and Wales Cricket Board, the unidentified South African player's positive status emerged from tests conducted after his team's final practice on Thursday.

The statement said the postponement was "in the interests of the safety and well-being of both teams, match officials and all involved in the match".

It means there will be back-to-back ODIs on Sunday and Monday in Paarl and Cape Town, before the series is completed at Newlands on Wednesday.

The decision places a spotlight on the South Africa camp and their protocols during a tour that will provide much-needed revenue for struggling CSA.

Two players tested positive ahead of the Twenty20 International series that started on Nov. 27 and was won 3-0 by England.

Yet more worrying will be the positive case from within the secure hotel bio-bubble, where both teams have been based since November 17.

The series forms part of the International Cricket Council's World Cup Super League.

England completed a 3-0 victory in the Twenty20 series that finished on Tuesday.

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Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)

Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)

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Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)

Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)

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Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)

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Liverpool v Roma

When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

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Wanderers
Tries: Gormley, Penalty
cons: Flaherty
Pens: Flaherty 2

Tigers
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Pens: Caldwell, Cross

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Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)

FIXTURES

Nov 04-05: v Western Australia XI, Perth
Nov 08-11: v Cricket Australia XI, Adelaide
Nov 15-18 v Cricket Australia XI, Townsville (d/n)
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Dec 02-06: 2ND TEST v AUSTRALIA, Adelaide (d/n)
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Dec 26-30 4TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Melbourne
Jan 04-08: 5TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Sydney

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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
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The biog

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1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

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Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

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