India’s tour of South Africa has been rejigged. The two teams will play three Tests, six ODIs and three Twenty20s as opposed to the original plan of four-Tests, five-ODIs and three T20Is.
Cricket South Africa Chief Haroon Lorgat cited “time constraints faced by India” for the reason behind the barter of a Test for more limited-overs cricket.
“The time constraints faced by India have forced us to reduce the Test matches to three while increasing white ball cricket to six ODIs and three T20I matches,” Lorgat said in a statement.
The Test series will commence at Newlands from January 5.
India were originally slated to arrive in time for the New Year Test that is traditionally played from January 3.. However, an arrangement was not reached between the two teams. Later, the Indian team management had cited lack of preparation time and asked for the Test series to begin on January 10.
In what is likely to be a compromise, the two boards seemed to have opted for fewer Tests to save on time.
India will reach South Africa on December 28 and will play a two-day practice game at Boland Park from December 30.
South Africa, meanwhile, will host Zimbabwe for a four-day day-night Test in Port Elizabeth on Boxing Day, subject to an approval from the International Cricket Council.