Winter series could mark de Villiers 100th cap
Two of international cricket’s heavyweight sides will face off a record 12 times later this year as South Africa head to India for a mammoth series.
The Proteas will play four test matches in the South Asian country as part of their longest ever tour to the sub-continent in what Cricket South Africa (CSA) has hailed a ‘landmark’ visit.
A further five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 matches will also be staged when the first match kicks off on 2nd October before finally concluding just over two months later on 7th December.
“I am delighted to confirm, together with the BCCI, the Proteas’ itinerary for our tour of India later this year,” CSA chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said in a statement.
“This will be the longest tour that we have undertaken to India and the first time we will play a four-test series. Both countries are now working to develop this into an iconic series.
“Of note will be the second test match to be played in Bangalore where the Proteas previously secured our only ever test series win over India in India in 2000.
“If all works out, this will be AB de Villiers’ 100th test match and it could not be at a more appropriate venue as it has become AB’s second home through his involvement with the Royal Challengers Bangalore.”
He added: “I wish to thank the BCCI for all their hard work and I now look forward to the test series becoming an iconic one.”
South Africa have visited India for five test series since their readmission to international cricket in 1992, winning one, drawing two and losing two.
The first matchup this year will be a Twenty20 game at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
