Netherlands tour of South Africa- The series between the Netherlands and South Africa kicked off on Friday as scheduled but the rest of the tour comes to an end. A new COVID-19 strain has seen severe travel restrictions being imposed in the region, including travel in and out of the continent. Several members of the Netherlands contingent are contracted to English counties and quarantine restrictions could spell trouble for the tourists. Follow all the latest updates on InsideSport
“Netherlands are currently playing the first ODI against South Africa in Centurion, but won’t play the remaining two matches with growing concerns about a new Covid-19 variant,” tweeted ESPNCricinfo.
Meanwhile, the shortage of flights have put the Netherlands in an unwanted situation.
“The Netherlands players could be in South Africa until December 3 due to the lack of flights.”
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa has put an official message on Twitter that read: “Cricket South Africa and @KNCBcricket are aware of news reports doing the rounds regarding the Netherlands tour to South Africa being cancelled or postponed. Both boards can confirm that following updated information, it is highly unlikely that the visiting team will be able to fly out of South Africa over the weekend. The KNCB is reviewing all of its options, while prioritising the physical and mental well-being of its players.”
“A decision on the continuation of the series will follow in the next 24 to 48 hours, while all flight options are being considered,” it added.
A decision on the continuation of the series will follow in the next 24 to 48 hours, while all flight options are being considered.
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) November 26, 2021
The fourth wave of COVID-19 is likely to strike South Africa in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, Indi A are currently in South Africa, playing the first four-day game in Bloemfontein. They are scheduled to play two more four-day games on the tour. It will follow a full-fledged India tour of South Africa.
Netherlands tour of South Africa: Netherlands to pull out of ODI series after opener as COVID-19’s new strain forces border closure; Report
SA vs NED LIVE: As per a Cricbuzz report, a new COVID-19 variant has prompted stricter travel restrictions in South Africa. The same has prompted the UK to temporarily suspend flights from South Africa, as well as several other Southern African countries. Passengers returning to the UK will be forced to quarantine and facilities for the same are being readied. Several members of the Netherlands team are contracted to English counties and reside in the UK.
The government is set to ban non-residents from entry from 12 PM on Friday and enforce a ten-day self-funded mandatory hotel quarantine on any UK and Irish residents arriving after 4 AM on Sunday morning. Flights have already been cancelled, and concerns in the Dutch camp remain that some members of the team might even be stranded in South Africa.
Netherlands tour of South Africa: Netherlands to pull out of ODI series after opener as COVID-19’s new strain forces border closure; Report
SA vs NED LIVE: South Africa already weakened for its first ODI series against the Dutch after resting six first-choice players involved in the T20 World Cup 2021 earlier this month, including captain Temba Bavuma. Earlier, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi had dropped out of its three-match One Day International series against the Netherlands after testing positive for COVID-19.
The first game of the three-match series kicked off as usual at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Friday. In the absence of regular stars, Keshav Maharaj has been handed the captaincy.
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