Proteas paint PE pink over Xmas as India confirm tour

Test cricket over the traditional Christmas and New Years period has been saved … sort of.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday evening confirmed that the much anticipated Indian tour will kick off with the first Test on January 5 at Newlands in Cape Town.

It’s a bit late for the so-called New Years battle – which usually takes place from 2 to 6 January – but CSA’s hand was forced by India only arriving on 28 December.

The visitors also wanted a two-day warm-up game before the Test.

But, at least, there is now the certainty that India will be coming – a tour that brings in big bucks for CSA.

Venues for the other two Tests, six one-dayers and three T20s will still be finalised.

In the other notable development, South Africa will also host its first day-night Test when they play Zimbabwe at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth from December 26 to 30.

“To ensure we do not disappoint our loyal fans over the traditional Boxing Day period and to take advantage of our brand-new lights at St George’s Park, we will host Zimbabwe in the first ever 4-day D/N Test match to be played. The Test status of the match is subject to ICC approval,” said CSA chief Haroon Lorgat.