CSA (Twitter)
Four members of the greater Proteas set-up have tested positive for Covid during the ongoing 2nd Test match against Bangladesh at St Georges Park in Gqeberha.
Two members of the Proteas team, Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning and will take no further part in the Test match.
Khaya Zondo replaces Erwee, making his Proteas Test debut in cap number 119, and Glenton Stuurman replaces Mulder.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) spokesperson Sipokazi Sokanyile says that back on Friday, two members of the team’s support staff, bowling coach Charl Langeveldt and security officer Zunaid Wadee tested positive for COVID-19.
She said the pair, who are mildly symptomatic, opted to drive home to Cape Town and quarantine from there.
"They were unfortunately involved in a car accident a short distance from reaching their final destination," said Sokanyile. "They are both safe, well and at their respective homes with their families."
CSA Chief Medical Officer Dr Shuaib Manjra said the four positive Covid tests within the Proteas camp were an unfortunate situation.
"It's not unexpected, however, after the decision was made to have this tour under the Managed Event Environment (MEE) protocol, rather than the strict Bio-safe Environment (BSE) Protocol as was previously the case."
He said this is in line with the country's policy in revoking the Disaster Management Act with reference to the pandemic, as well the huge mental strain that a bubble environment induces.
"The two players are currently in quarantine at the team hotel and are under the care of the team's medical staff."
UPDATE:
Set a daunting victory target of 413, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 80 runs in their second innings. The Proteas won the match by 332 runs on the back of their 220-run win in the first Test in Durban to win the Two-Test series 2-0.
Keshav Maharaj took 7 for 40 in the second innings for a match-haul of 9 wickets.
He took 16 wickets over the two Test matches and was named man of the match in both .. and also man of the series.
In his post-match interview, Maharaj paid tribute to his fellow spinner Simon Harmer who took the other three wickets to fall on Monday morning in a mirror-image of what happened on the final day in Durban.
"Yes, I think Simon did an exceptional job. Obviously there's a lot of pressure coming back into international cricket but he showed why he's a world class performer. Simon has shown his growth over the years and I'm really happy and pleased for him."
