Major setback for South Africa ahead of the fourth T20I vs India

A day ahead of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Rajkot, Aiden Markram has been ruled out for the India series. Markram tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the ongoing five-match T20I series. This is the reason he hasn't played the three games played so far. Now with only two games remaining in the series, the right-hander will return home.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has released a statement that says that the 2014 U19 World Cup-winning skipper is healthy and has been cleared to return home. The statement explains that the decision has been taken to take care of the 27-year-old's mental and emotional well-being. According to the criteria of the CSA, a player is sent home after recovering from COVID19, especially on the away tours.

“Aiden Markram is healthy and well and has been cleared to return home to look after his mental and emotional well-being after isolation in a local facility, as required when individual tests positive on tour,” the statement read.

The statement further explains the availability of wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock. De Kock has missed the second and third games due to a wrist injury. He was replaced by Heinrich Klassen, who won the second game against India. Coming back to the update on De Kock, the statement says that the left-hander has made a remarkable recovery and his availability in Rajkot will be informed later.

“Quinton de Kock has made a marked improvement in his recovery from a wrist injury. The Proteas’ medical staff will continue to assess his progress and make a decision on his availability for match four in due course,” Cricket South Africa informed.

Talking about the series, the Proteas are leading the series by 2-1. They could have taken an unassailable lead in the last game but the hosts thwarted the plans. The Men In Blue won the game by 48 runs and have kept the series alive. They would like to level the series on Friday.