South Africa are scheduled to play a three-Test match series with India with the first Test starting in Centurion from December 26. The second test will be played in Johannesburg from January 03. Cricket South Africa will be celebrating 30 years of cricketing rivalry with India in that Test match.

South Africa were barred from cricket for 21 years from 1970-91 due to the apartheid regime. When the suspension was lifted in 1991, India were the first team to play against them in a one-off Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Cricket South Africa has come up with a statement on what are their plans to celebrate the occasion.

“Part of the 30-year anniversary of the cricketing ties between India and South Africa includes the celebration and recognition of the most iconic moments and individuals in the 30-year history of the stadium,” CSA said in a statement.

South Africa Players Busy With Intense Training

The #Proteas continue to fine-tune their skills as preparation for the #SAvIND #BetwayTestSeries 🏏 #FreedomSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/afl8J1OiJc

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 21, 2021

India was also the team against whom South Africa played their first Test on home soil. This was back in 1996 with Sachin Tendulkar leading the Indian team in Durban. He scored a memorable ton as Anil Kumble took eight wickets in the drawn test match.

India Seeking Elusive Test Series Win Against South Africa

India are still seeking for their maiden test series win in South Africa. They lost 209 last when they toured back in 2018. Virat Kohli who will be leading the team for the second time in the country is looking to change the script.

The first Test will be played in Centurion between December 26-30. The New Year’s test will be played in Joburg from January 3-7. Cape Town will host the third Test from January 11-15.

Both teams will also play a three-match ODI series after the Test series gets over. The first two games will be played in Paarl with the teams returning to Cape Town for the third and final ODI which also wraps up the tour.

All the matches will be played behind closed doors keeping the threat of the COVID wave in mind.

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