The Proteas’ selection headaches have increased after two players tested positive for Covid-19.

The Proteas enter their bio-secure bubble in Pretoria on Saturday, but will be without the unnamed players, who will also miss the first Test on Boxing Day as they isolate.

It stands to reason the players were involved in one of two virus-affected 4-Day Domestic Series matches this week.

The Titans-Dolphins match was abandoned on Monday after a Dolphins player tested positive. Subsequently, at least three more Dolphins players have tested Covid-19 positive.

A Lions player tested positive in the fixture between the Lions and Knights on day three and was withdrawn. After a risk assessment and consultation with the Knights players and coaching staff, it was decided to continue playing.

Cricket South Africa said in a statement: ‘CSA can also confirm that no other players in the currently named squad were deemed close contacts after contact tracing procedures were conducted.’

On Friday, three players – Raynard van Tonder, Lutho Sipamla and Dwaine Pretorius – were added to the squad.