ENG v SA 2020: ICC Cricket World Cup Super League series called off after players test positive for COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the sports world. Many events could not happen on time, and the 3-match ICC Cricket World Cup Super League series between South Africa and England has become the first international cricket series to be canceled because of players in both camps testing positive for COVID-19.
The two teams competed in a 3-match T20I series, where the visitors blanked the rainbow nation 3-0. Cape Town was set to host the first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League series. Unfortunately, the organizers had to abandon the game because of a positive test in the home team's camp.
The two squads reached Paarl as the board moved the first ODI to Boland Park. However, the Paarl ODI could not occur because two members of the English camp tested positive for COVID-19. It is pertinent to note that even some of the hotel staff in Cape Town tested positive for the virus.
Subsequently, the second ODI also had to be postponed, with both cricket boards hoping that they could play back-to-back matches on Tuesday and Wednesday before the touring camp's departure on Thursday. Now, the bodies have scrapped the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League series on medical grounds.
England had an opportunity to regain the top spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League standings
England held the top position in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points table for a long time before Australia displaced them with a 2-1 series win against the Indian cricket team.
A dominant performance against South Africa could have helped the world champions regain their position at the top. Unfortunately, the series will not take place now. The cricketing world will now wait for the ICC's decision on whether the tour will occur next year or the two teams will share the points.