SA’s Aiden Markram Tests COVID-Positive Before 1st T20I; Will He Play At Cuttack’s Barabati?

New Delhi: South African opener Aiden Markram has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, which got underway at Ferozeshah Kotla here on Thursday evening.

According to a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement, Markram was found to have contracted coronavirus infection during the team’s last round of testing on Wednesday.

“He has begun the quarantine protocol which was agreed by the two Boards before the commencement of the tour,” CSA informed.

There are no bio-bubbles in place for the series, but any player or team staff has to be in isolation if he tests positive.

The Markram, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the recently-concluded IPL, is unlikely for the second match of the series to be played at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on Sunday, unless he undergoes another test on Saturday and the result is negative.

The 21-year-old Tristan Stubbs was named to replace Markram in Thursday’s playing XI.

“Tristan Stubbs will make his international debut when the Proteas take on India in the first of five T20Is today,” CSA informed.