Keegan Petersen to miss New Zealand tour after testing positive for Covid-19

South Africa batter Keegan Petersen has tested positive for Covid-19 and as a result, will miss the New Zealand tour. Zubayr Hamza has been named as his replacement.

"Proteas batsman, Keegan Petersen, will, unfortunately, miss the tour to New Zealand after testing positive for COVID-19. The number three batsman is well and asymptomatic," a CSA media release said.

"CSA medical team will keep in close contact with him to ensure his physical and mental well-being. Six Gun Grill Western Province batsman, Zubayr Hamza, will replace him for the tour."

The Proteas will play a couple of Tests against New Zealand in Christchurch, starting February 17. 

Petersen was the leading run-scorer for South Africa in the recently-concluded Test series against India, winning the player of the series as well. After losing the first Test at Centurion, South Africa bounced back to win the next two Tests to clinch the series.

For New Zealand, this will be their first Test series since the retirement of Ross Taylor. Taylor played his last Test against Bangladesh in Christchurch.