Dwaine Pretorius Tests Positive For COVID-19 Ahead Of T20I Series Against West Indies; Wiaan Mulder Announced As Replacement

South Africa all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 ahead of the T20I series against West Indies which will begin on June 26 at St George’s, Grenada. All the five T20I matches of the series will be played at the same ground in Grenada.

While all the other South Africa squad members arrived safely in Grenada, Cricket South Africa (CSA) reported that the entire traveling party has returned negative results upon arrival. Unfortunately, Dwaine Pretorius tested positive for Covid-19 and did not travel with the T20I squad. Pretorius is asymptomatic and is following stipulated protocols on recovery and eventual return to play.

Wiaan Mulder Retained From Test Squad As Replacement For Dwaine Pretorius

All-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been retained from the Test squad for the T20 team as a replacement for Dwaine Pretorius. Mulder has appeared in one T20I for South Africa, which was played against Pakistan in April at home. South Africa also has another seam-bowling all-rounder in Andile Phehlukwayo.

“The CSA medical team is keeping in close communication with him to ensure his overall wellbeing,” a statement from the organisation said.

Apart from Mulder, Proteas have also absorbed fast bowler Beuran Hendricks into the T20I squad as cover. Hendricks did not feature in the Test match series. Also, Proteas limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma is expected to lead the team after missing out on the two Tests due to injury.

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South Africa has other pace options in Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Sisanda Magala, and Lizaad Williams, who are expected to be rotated accordingly as it is expected that this group of players will travel to Ireland, for three ODIs and three T20Is.

Assistant coach Enoch Nkwe has also returned and joined the squad and will resume his role after taking family responsibility leave. This meant that Titans coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who assisted Mark Boucher, has returned to South Africa along with the rest of the Test 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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