[4][5] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the England team stayed in a bio-secure environment whilst in South Africa,[6] with the matches played in Cape Town and Paarl.

[7] In October 2020, Cricket South Africa (CSA) made a plea to its parliament, saying that is of "critical importance",[8] while waiting on government approval for the tour to go ahead.

[13] The first ODI match, originally scheduled to be played on 4 December, was cancelled less than an hour before it was due to start,[14] after a South African player tested positive for coronavirus.

[28] South Africa also rested Faf du Plessis, Pite van Biljon, Bjorn Fortuin and Reeza Hendricks for the ODI series.

[29] A South Africa intra-squad warm-up match, due to take place on 21 November, was cancelled after two players tested positive for coronavirus.