Big Bash import Mujeeb Ur Rahman hospitalised after virus test

Brisbane Heat import Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been taken to a Queensland hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Afghan spinner, the world's No.2 ranked T20 international bowler, was in hotel quarantine on the Gold Coast after arriving in Australia last week.

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Mujeeb reported symptoms and has since been placed in the care of Queensland Health to complete his recovery from the illness.

The news comes a week out from the Heat's season opener against the Melbourne Stars in Canberra and means Mujeeb will almost certainly miss Brisbane's two matches in the national capital.

Whether Mujeeb is available to play in the home match at the Gabba on December 23 against Adelaide will depend on his recovery.

Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson said the 19-year-old's welfare was the primary concern.

"He is a young man far from home and we will ensure he is looked after," Svenson said.

The Queensland government confirmed earlier on Friday there had been two new cases of COVID in the state, both from people in hotel quarantine after recently arriving from overseas.

Mujeeb's positive test comes less than a week after the Hobart Hurricanes confirmed Nepalese legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane had contracted the virus.

Lamichhanne, who is not expected to travel to Australia until later this month, revealed his diagnosis on social media and is expected to undertake home isolation during his recovery.

"The health and safety of our players, staff and the wider community is our top priority this season," Big Bash Leagues head Alistair Dobson said.

"Both Mujeeb and the Brisbane Heat have our full support and we will ensure all Queensland Government protocols continue to be followed as he recovers."

Virus delays England, South Africa series

The first cricket one-day international between South Africa and England was postponed on Friday after another player tested positive for the coronavirus in the host team's secure biosecurity bubble.

The South African player was not named.

The game, the first of three ODIs, was postponed from Friday to Sunday, the two cricket federations said.

Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board said the decision was made "in the interests of the safety and well-being of both teams, match officials and all involved in the match."

The CEOs of both boards, Kugandrie Govender of CSA and Tom Harrison of the ECB, agreed to the postponement.

The player is the third South African player to test positive during the England tour, which began in mid-November.

One player tested positive for the virus before the teams went into the bubble at a Cape town hotel, while a second tested positive in the bubble and before the recent Twenty20 series.

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