The decision was announced before the scheduled start of the match on Friday, 4 December, with the first game of the series now to be played at Paarl on Sunday, 6 December. The second ODI will now be played on Monday, 7 December at Cape Town, with the final game of the series unmoved from Wednesday, 9 December.

In a statement, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said: "In the interests of safety and well-being of both teams, match officials and all involved in the match, the Acting CEO of CSA, Kugandrie Govender, as well as the CEO of the ECB, Tom Harrison, have agreed to postpone the first fixture to Sunday."

Managing Director of England Men's Cricket Ashley Giles echoed the sentiment and remained optimistic of the series going ahead as per the revised schedule.

"Our number one priority is the health and safety of the England team and management group, and the correct decision was made following discussions between the two Boards and respective medical teams," he said. "The England party will remain at its base in Cape Town on Friday and Saturday, and we are hopeful that the three-match series will be played before we depart next Thursday starting with the match at Paarl on Sunday."

With CWC Super League points at stake, both sides will be eager to put in strong performances. The series is South Africa's first in the tournament, but a 3-0 series win could potentially see them claim second in the standings, a spot currently occupied by England who are 10 points off Australia in first.