First ODI between South Africa and England postponed after player tests positive for coronavirus

Decision is announced just an hour before start of match in Cape Town

The ODI match between South Africa and England was called off just an hour before the match was due to start at Newlands in Cape Town. AFP

The first one-day international between South Africa and England, due to take place on Friday, has been postponed after a player tested positive for Covid-19.

Cricket South Africa made the announcement just an hour before the day-night match at Newlands in Cape Town was due to start.

According to a joint statement from CSA and the England and Wales Cricket Board, the unidentified South African player's positive status emerged from tests conducted after his team's final practice on Thursday.

The statement said the postponement was "in the interests of the safety and well-being of both teams, match officials and all involved in the match".

It means there will be back-to-back ODIs on Sunday and Monday in Paarl and Cape Town, before the series is completed at Newlands on Wednesday.

The decision places a spotlight on the South Africa camp and their protocols during a tour that will provide much-needed revenue for struggling CSA.

Two players tested positive ahead of the Twenty20 International series that started on Nov. 27 and was won 3-0 by England.

Yet more worrying will be the positive case from within the secure hotel bio-bubble, where both teams have been based since November 17.

The series forms part of the International Cricket Council's World Cup Super League.

England completed a 3-0 victory in the Twenty20 series that finished on Tuesday.