As per fresh Covid-19 tests conducted on Saturday, the entire South Africa squad has tested negative for the coronavirus ahead of facing Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series at home. According to a statement released by the CSA on Sunday, the tests were conducted after the players entered the Bio-Secure environment.
“Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to report that the entire Proteas team has returned negative results from the COVID-19 tests that were conducted upon their entry into the Bio-Secure Environment yesterday ahead of the two-match Test Series against Sri Lanka starting on Saturday, 26 December,” the CSA said in a statement.
CSA had announced on Friday that two members of the Proteas squad have tested for the coronavirus in the first round of testing conducted ahead of their entry into the Bio-Secure Environment. Those tests took place on Wednesday and Thursday and were a part of the CSA COVID-19 protocol for the tour.
“The players will no longer form part of the Test team and will observe the COVID-19 protocols, including isolating with immediate effect. CSA’s medical team will monitor them to ensure their health and well-being. CSA can also confirm that no other players in the currently named squad were deemed close contacts after contact tracing procedures were conducted,” the CSA had said.
Three more players were included in the South Africa squad on Friday prior to the Test series against Sri Lanka. The players added to the team were former South Africa under-19 captain Raynard van Tonder, Lutho Sipamla and Dwaine Pretorius.
December 26 will see the start of the two-match Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka.