South Africa make first international Covid substitutions in victory over Bangladesh

Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder were replaced by Glenton Suurman and debutant Khaya Zondo as South Africa won the Test by 332 runs

South Africa became the first international side to use Covid substitutes after Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder tested positive for the virus on the fourth morning of the Proteas' second Test against Bangladesh.

The pair were replaced by Glenton Suurman and debutant Khaya Zondo as South Africa won the Test by 332 runs.

It was the second time in international cricket that two substitutes had been used, after Bangladesh made two concussion substitutes against India in 2019. Covid replacements have previously been used in the Plunkett Shield and County Championship.

The Test series was played in a managed environment rather than a bio-secure bubble, meaning players were allowed to go out but advised to stay outdoors.

^{Khaya Zondo enjoyed an unusual Test debut after being brought into the South Africa side as a Covid sub}

Dr Shuaib Manjra, Cricket South Africa's chief medical officer, said: "This is an unfortunate situation, but not unexpected after the decision was made to have this tour under the Managed Event Environment (MEE) protocol, rather than the strict Bio-safe Environment (BSE) Protocol as was previously the case.

"This is in line with the country's policy in revoking the Disaster Management Act with reference to the pandemic, as well the huge mental strain that a bubble environment induces."

The only Covid restrictions in South Africa are mask-wearing indoors and restrictions on numbers for gatherings.

Covid had already impacted the series, as Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo, South Africa bowling coach Charl Langeveldt and security officer Zunaid Wadee all missed the second Test due to positive Covid tests.

South Africa won the series 2-0.