The first ODI between South Africa and England that was scheduled for Newlands on Friday has been moved to Sunday after a player from the home team tested positive for Covid-19.

Cricket South Africa said the latest round of tests on Thursday resulted in an unnamed South African player returning a positive result, the third from within the camp during the series.

The teams had travelled to the stadium to prepare for the game but it was officially called off an hour before the start.

The player in question is set to be isolated from the group and a round of fresh tests is likely to be conducted ahead of what is now the series opener in Paarl on Sunday.

The issue has led England to question the strength of their bio-secure environment in Cape Town. Both teams are staying in the same hotel.

“England have expressed a concern and questioned the confidence they have in the bio-secure environment and rightfully so... We respect that concern,” South Africa team doctor Shuaib Manjra said in a video released on Friday. Reuters