Image courtesy of: The Telegraph
Tendulkar’s battles with Steyn in the past have been legendary
The Boxing Day Test has made its triumphant return in South Africa after Cricket South Africa (CSA) cancelled the long-running tradition last year in favour of a Twenty20 International against New Zealand, which they thought would boost attendances.
However, this year, CSA have decided to stick with the historic Test as India’s first Test against South Africa will be held on December 26 in Durban.
But, before the Test series gets underway, India will play two Twenty20 Internationals against the Proteas and seven ODIs, which will span from November 18 to December 15.
The ODI matches will be played in stadiums across the country, with small venues like East London and Bloemfontein also playing host.
After the limited overs series concludes, India and South Africa will play a three-Test series, with the Test matches set to be held in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
“The Indian players have always been very popular in South Africa and their maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, has currently played 198 Test matches,” CSA acting CEO, Naasei Appiah, said. “t would be wonderful for his 200th Test match to be in front of a packed New Year’s crowd at Newlands. The last time he played a Test match there his battle with Dale Steyn thrilled a global audience.”
After India, Australia will tour the country for a three-Test series, which is scheduled to take place between mid-February and early March.
“Any series between Australia and South Africa in any sporting code always promises a spectacle of note and a contest worthy of some of sport’s most famous moments,” Appiah said. “Australia will be battle-hardened after successive home and away Ashes series against England.”
The three Tests between Australia and South Africa will be played at Centurion, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
However, before these two highly-anticipated series, the Proteas will tour Sri Lanka for a limited overs series before travelling to the United Arab Emirates to face Pakistan in October.
One of the major concerns ahead of all the upcoming series will be Test captain Graeme Smith, who is currently recovering at home after undergoing a surgical procedure to repair his troublesome ankle.
Smith went under the knife in May after returning home from his stint with English domestic side Surrey.
After his surgery, Smith revealed that his recovery time had been set at five to six months, but team manager and doctor Mohammed Moosajee stated that Smith’s rehabilitation was “progressing well” and CSA are hoping Smith will be fully fit in time for South Africa’s series against Pakistan.