The Proteas can finally prepare for some red ball cricket after the Sri Lanka tour dates were made official. Picture: Phando Jikelo, African News Agency (ANA)
CAPE TOWN – Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket have confirmed that the two-match, Test Series scheduled to be played in Centurion and Johannesburg from December 26 will go ahead as planned.
The series, which forms part of the ICC World Test Championship, will start in Centurion on Boxing Day, while the second Test will be played at the Wanderers.
The Sri Lanka Men’s team will leave for South Africa as scheduled, while head coach Mickey Arthur, accompanied by a health specialist, will travel to South Africa a bit earlier to further assess the situation and make necessary arrangements for the team’s arrival.
“Cricket South Africa appreciates the ongoing support from Sri Lanka Cricket under the leadership of Ashley de Silva, who has never wavered in its willingness to engage us in important and open discussions around our plans and the state of our readiness for the tour,” CSA acting CEO, Kugandrie Govender said.
“We are thankful that these discussions have allayed any trepidation around CSA’s ability to successfully host home tours in these unpredictable times.
“As always, we are excited to host the Sri Lankan team in this important, World Test Championship series that will yield crucial points towards the points table for the eventual winners.
“We are also certain that cricket fans around the world will tune in for another series of thrilling cricket on display.”
Test Series against Sri Lanka:
Saturday, 26-30 December 2020: South Africa vs Sri Lanka, SuperSport Park, Centurion
Sunday, 3-7 January 2021: South Africa vs Sri Lanka, Imperial Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg