A test carried out before the South Africa men's team culture camp on 32 players and support staff has revealed that two players have tested positive for the global virus.
The camp, being held in Skukuza between August 18-22 in light of rising polarisation due to racial issues, has proceeded without these two players, who have commenced with their isolation protocol.
As per a statement by Cricket South Africa, "The testing is in line with fulfilling the organisation's obligation and commitment to control the spread of the virus. There were no replacements made for the two players who tested positive. All those unable to attend the camp will join the proceedings virtually."
Also missing the camp is Faf du Plessis due to the impending birth of his second child, while Theunis de Bruyn, who was initially set to miss the camp due to familial reasons, has now joined the squad in Skukuza.
The objective of the camp was to conduct a workshop centred around the identity and environment of the team as well to lay out performance goals.
It's not the first time that such an event has been conducted, as a similar test was carried out for the South Africa women's team back in July. Back then too, there were positive tests for three squad members and support staff.
Full list of players who were scheduled to participate in the Skukuza camp:
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.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Phill Magakoe
