Proteas clear Covid-19 tests, undergo first practice session.

KARACHI -- The touring South Africa cricket squad had a three-hour long practice session at the Karachi Gymkhana Ground here on Sunday in preparations for the first Test against Pakistan after clearing their first coronavirus (Covid-19) after reaching Karachi the day before.

According to a Cricket South Africa (CSA) media release, the 21 cricketers and 11 support staff members all underwent Covid-19 testing shortly after arriving at their hotel.

'Cricket South Africa is pleased to announce all of the results [of Covid-19 tests] are negative. Upon their arrival at the hotel on Saturday, the squad have been quarantining in their rooms since then,' CSA stated on Sunday.

During their first practice at the KG Ground, which is adjacent to the team hotel, the South African players had extensive nets, which were supervised by head coach and former wicket-keeper Mark Boucher.

The visitors will another session of practice at the same venue on Monday after South Africa captain Quinton de Kock will hold his arrival virtual media conference.

The first Test starts here at the National Stadium from Jan 26.

AFP adds from Johannesburg: Meanwhile, the South Africa squad had to fly to Pakistan on a hastily-arranged charter flight after their commercial flights were cancelled - and Covid-19 restrictions could further complicate the team's plans, it emerged on Sunday.

A team spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that CSA had to make urgent late arrangements after being informed on Thursday that Emirates Airlines had temporarily suspended flights to and from South Africa for 'operational reasons'.

The...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT