Return to lockdown Level 3 won’t impact Proteas v Sri Lanka Test – CSA

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has issued a statement confirming that South Africa’s return to Covid-19 lockdown Level 3 from midnight on Monday won’t impact the ongoing Test between the Proteas and Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

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On Monday evening President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would enter Level 3 Covid-19 lockdown as of midnight.

In a statement issued shorty before midnight on Monday, CSA said it was “aware of the many questions regarding the continuation of the Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka” which enters its fourth day on Tuesday.

CSA expressed confidence the new restrictions would not impact the conclusion of the match which may well finish on Tuesday such is the dominant position the Proteas hold after thee days – and the injury-strife the Sri Lankans find themselves in.  

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The CSA statement went on to state that regulations make provision for the following:   

‘Sport, arts and culture activities, including both professional and non-professional matches, by recognised sporting bodies are allowed, subject to strict adherence to the times of operation as provided for in regulation 82(2) and the following: 

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(a) Directions for sports matches issued by the Cabinet member responsible for sport after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health;
(b) Only journalists, radio, television crew, security personnel, emergency medical services, and the necessary employees employed by the owners of the venue of the sport match, are allowed at the venue of the sport match;
(c) Only the required number of players, match officials, support staff and medical crew required for the sport match, are allowed at the venue of the sport match;
(d) No spectators are allowed at the venue of the sports match; and
(e) International sport, arts and culture events involving countries with a low or medium Covid-19 infection and transmission rate are allowed.’ 

Without making direct mention, the statement suggested that the second and final Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from January 3-7, 2021 would also go ahead despite the stricter Level 3 lockdown regulations.

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