India, Australia to face Proteas in SA

The Proteas are set to host Bangladesh, India and Australia in the coming months. Photo: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

The Proteas are set to host Bangladesh, India and Australia in the coming months. Photo: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

Published Dec 29, 2016

Share

Cape Town  - Australia will play in four Test matches against the Proteas in South Africa next season, and it will be preceded by visits from India and Bangladesh in a bumper festival of cricket.

Cricket South Africa announced the itinerary for Bangladesh’s trip on Thursday, where the Tigers will undertake a full tour with two Tests, three ODIs and two T20 internationals in September and October.

But while that series will kick off the new season, it remains to be seen what kind of team will be picked by selection chief Linda Zondi and coach Russell Domingo, especially as the long journey in England – that will begin in May and includes the ICC Champions Trophy – will only end on August 8.

The first Test against Bangladesh starts on September 21 in Potchefstroom, which could see the Proteas brainstrust giving opportunities to some of the fringe players who didn’t get much game time in England.

The exact dates for World No 1 India’s full tour of South Africa has not yet been determined, but it will take place over the festive season, with four Tests, five ODIs and three T20s, followed by four Tests against Australia during February and March.

“Our scheduling discussions with the BCCI are in progress, and we hope to be in a position to announce the fixtures for this tour in the New Year,” CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.

“Another bumper season of attractive international cricket awaits our fans. India and Australia finished 2016 as the top teams on the ICC rankings list, and this will give our players great incentive to perform at their very best.

“We have not beaten Australia in a home Test series since unity, and that surely must be good reason to perform in order to bank a notable first. Our fans can look forward to a really big 2017/18 home season for the Proteas.”

[email protected]

@ashfakmohamed

Bangladesh Tour Of SA:

September 28-October 2: 1st Test, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, 10h00

October 6-10: 2nd Test, Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, 10h00

October 15: 1st ODI, Diamond Oval, Kimberley, 10h00

October 18: 2nd ODI, Boland Park, Paarl, 10h00

October 22: 3rd ODI, Buffalo Park, East London, 10h00

October 26: 1st T20 International, Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, 18h00

October 29: 2nd T20 International, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, 14h30

Independent Media

Related Topics: