After a week of uncertainty, India’s South Africa tour has finally received a green signal from both boards. However, the tour will feature three Tests and as many ODIs as a part of a rejigged tour. The four T20 internationals that were part of the original schedule have been postponed.
On Saturday, an official statement from Cricket South Africa informed that the dates and venues will be changed as the Indian contingent’s arrival in the country has been delayed. The Indian team was originally expected to reach South Africa by December 9.
As per the original schedule, the Test series was set to kick off on December 17 at Johannesburg, with the following two Tests taking place on December 26 and January 3 at Centurion and Cape Town, respectively.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the Test series will now begin with the Boxing Day game on December 26 at Centurion. The second Test to happen in Johannesburg from January 3, while the third in Cape Town from January 11 or 12. Cape Town will also host all three ODIS.
South Africa has come under the scanner on a world stage due to the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, which has resulted in a surge in positive cases in the country. With that, the cricket in South Africa also had question marks over it, especially the India tour, which could’ve been a huge financial loss to the CSA.
“With the Proteas men’s team having already participated in no less than eight international cricket BSEs, CSA is pleased to announce that this tour will also take place under the strictest Covid-19 guidelines, as contained in the BSE protocols,”
the CSA release said.
“CSA is also pleased to confirm that the allocation of match venues will still be in respect of the Bubble Safe Environment and therefore the decision on the allocations will take into account the need for safer playing environments.”
Earlier, Netherlands’ ODI series against the Proteas was cancelled after the first game, and they had to fly out as various countries imposed travel restrictions on Southern Africa.
India ‘A’ team stayed back and continued their tour, where they’re playing three four-day matches in Bloemfontein. The second match concluded on Friday, while the final one is set to begin on Monday.
