Dwaine Pretorius tests positive for COVID-19, Wiaan Mulder called as replacement for WI T20Is

South Africa are set to cross swords with West Indies in a five-match T20I series commencing tomorrow, 26th June at St. George’s Grenada. Dwaine Pretorious, who was expected to be an integral member of the T20 team, however, won’t be part of the series as he tested positive for COVID-19 recently. The other members of the squad tested negative. 

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Cricket South Africa (CSA ) confirmed that Pretorious is asymptomatic and is following all the necessary COVID-19 protocols while isolating. Since the series will be played within a span of eight days, Pretorious’ participation was highly unlikely, given that players need to isolate for at-least a week after testing positive. 

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Consequently, South Africa have named Wiaan Mulder as a replacement for Dwaine Pretorious. Mulder was part of the Test squad that defeated West Indies 2-0 in the first leg of the tour. Mulder also represented South Africa in the home series against Pakistan earlier this year. Along with Mulder, South Africa will have the services of Andile Phehlukwayo as the second seam bowling all-rounder.

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“The CSA medical team is keeping in close communication with him to ensure his overall wellbeing,” a statement from CSA read as quoted by Yahoo cricket.

Temba Bavuma, who missed the Test series due to injury is expected to lead the side in the T20I series. Talking about the pace bowling set-up, the Proteas boast of a quality attack comprising Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Beuran Hendricks. They also have Sisanda Magala and Lizaad Williams in the squad.

South Africa T20I squad: Temba Bavuma (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi , Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams

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