Coronavirus: SA players likely to avoid customary handshakes, says coach Boucher

 South African cricketers could avoid customary handshakes during ir stay in India, head coach Mark Boucher has said as number of reported positive Coronavirus cases in country crossed 40 on Monday. number of positive cases in India stands at 43 at moment and  South African team that landed in national capital for three ODIs in wee hours of Monday, will "strictly adhere" to healthcare protocols.

Medical team has given go-ahead

"With regards to handshakes and type of stuff that's a concern, so it will probably be fine if we do same if it comes to that. I think it's a way to stop anything from happening to our guys," Boucher told media during his pre-departure press conference when asked about shaking hands with opposition team's players.

"I think it's out of respect for players around you and t to pass on something that you might have," former Proteas stumper added.

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South Africa went ahead with tour only after ir medical and security team gave a go-ahead after doing a risk assessment. "Look we have a security staff and if we have medical concerns, we give it to m and y come up with recommendations. If y think its too dangerous, y will pull us out and y are different," he said.

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COVID-19 is a concern and that's what y have been briefed, said Boucher. "We had a nice brief last night from medical staff about virus going around is that its a major concern. We are t medical people and we don't kw medicine as y do. So we have taken ir recommendations and I am sure y have put stuff in places that are going to help us," he added.

(Im Credit: AP)