South Africa v England 2nd ODI Start Delayed

[depechedingle]

England's second ODI match in South Africa due to start at 8am has been currently delayed as 2 members of the hotel staff in the England bubble have tested positive for COVID. This has meant that every member of the England squad and staff have had to have had rush tests this morning again to check they are still negative.

The two hotel staff have currently been living at the hotel as part of the greater bubble.

[depechedingle]

Now confirmed as abandoned.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Got to wonder how this has happened with the protocols they have in place.

[Leisure]

Got to wonder how this has happened with the protocols they have in place.

Probably due to someone not following them.

[joey13]

Whole tour likely to be scrapped now.

[ClaretDiver]

Whole tour likely to be scrapped now.

That would be a shame, I have a load of mates based in CPT and I was looking forward to ribbing them when we whitewashed them lol!

[jrgbfc]

Can see more and more players choosing to not tour in future if these restrictions stay in place much longer. It's not realistic to lock players in a hotel for weeks on end.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Tomorrow’s has been called off as well.

Really really poor from the hosts with so much at stake.

[joey13]

Tour confirmed as cancelled

[tiger76]

Shame but in the circumstances they had no option, surely questions will be asked as to why the bio-bubble didn't work as intended, you have to feel for the England players who've endured a summer of isolation, and then gone all the way to SA ultimately for nothing.

Next scheduled England tour is SL I believe, but whether that will now proceed as planned I have my doubts sadly.

[ClaretTony]

Totally agree with tiger76 that there was no option. From a selfish point of view I'm disappointed that I won't be able to sit and watch the games but it really was the only sensible decision.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Big Bash starts Thursday so there is a bit of a cricket fix to be had

[CleggHall]

Yes a disappointment to miss coverage on TV but must be doubly frustrating for the players.
Bio-bubble worked well here this summer at Hants and Old Trafford but overseas hotels are a “different kettle of fish”.

[ClaretTony]

Big Bash starts Thursday so there is a bit of a cricket fix to be had

Excellent - prefer 50 over to the t20 but it will still be some entertainment.

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

Is there any suggestion that sports governing bodies will be able to purchase the vaccine to immunise the players to get sport moving? That’s assuming the players are happy to have it etc?