Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket South Africa (CSA), in a press release on Thursday, have stated that two South Africa men’s players have tested positive to COVID-19.
CSA did not name the two players. This news comes as a concern, as 50 tests on players and staff were undertaken before a scheduled culture camp in Skukuza from August 18 to 22. As a result, the two players will isolate as necessary, therefore, understandably, missing the camp.
However, the two players will join the training virtually, highlighting the importance of this camp. The purpose of the camp is to educate players and staff of the team’s ideal identity, in an environment where there is increasing racial polarisation in South African cricket.
“The testing is in line with fulfilling the organisation’s obligation and commitment to control the spread of the virus,” the CSA statement said. “There were no replacements made for the two players who tested positive. All those unable to attend the camp will join the proceedings virtually.”
CSA faced similar issues back in July, before the women’s team’s training camp. Three tested positive out of 34, which forced CSA to take further care in ensuring the spread of the virus was controlled. CSA will continue to work towards controlling the spread of the virus, as South Africa, like the rest of the world, continues to battle with COVID-19.
The following players were pencilled in to participate in the camp (before the news of the COVID-19 positive tests): Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, Anrich Nortje, Beuran Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, Daryn Dupavillon, David Miller, Dean Elgar, Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Glenton Stuurman, Heinrich Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Jon-Jon Smuts, Junior Dala, Kagiso Rabada, Keegan Petersen, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Verryenne, Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla, Pieter Malan, Pite Van Biljon, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Rudi Second, Senuran Muthusamy, Sisanda Magala, Tabraiz Shamsi, Temba Bavuma, Zubayr Hamza.
Faf du Plessis was due to miss the camp due to the birth of his second child.