South Africa make first ever Covid substitutes in second Test against Bangladesh

Test cricket welcomed its first ever Covid substitutes on Monday more than two years after the pandemic began.

Khaya Zondo and Glenton Stuurman were called in by South Africa on the fourth morning of the second Test versus Bangladesh in Gqeberha, after both Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder tested positive for coronavirus.

However, Zondo’s debut lasted just an hour as – in a repeat of the first Test in Durban – Bangladesh were blitzed by the home spinners.

Resuming on 27 for three, the tourists were dismissed for 80, and condemned to a 332-run defeat, as Keshav Maharaj, who took seven, and Essex’s Simon Harmer shared all 10 wickets – just as they had when the Bangladeshis were bowled out for 53 in the second innings at Kingsmead a week earlier.

The series, won 2-0 by the South Africans, was played in a managed environment rather than a bio-secure bubble, allowing players to mingle in public areas.