Reports: New Year Test unlikely to take place on India's tour of South Africa

The dates for India’s tour of South Africa are yet to be announced, as there seem to be concerns raised by the Indian team management that needs to be addressed related to the rest days between matches, before it is announced. It will be a 45-50 days tour to the African nation.  India were earlier supposed to be in South Africa by the third week of December and play four Tests including the Boxing Day and New Year Tests apart from five ODIs and three T20 Internationals.

But with India’s home commitments ending on December 24, against Sri Lanka, the Boxing Day Test is already ruled out. According to close sources, CSA are looking to invite Pakistan or Zimbabwe to play a one-off Test to continue the tradition.

The CSA were hoping that if not the boxing day Test, then atleast the new year Test match will feature India; but now even that seems out of possibility. The New Year Test match usually begins on the 2nd  or 3rd of January. The BCCI has hinted that Virat Kohli-led side will arrive in South Africa after a few days of break post the Sri Lankan series.

India demands a practice match

It has been reported that the Indian team is likely to reach South Africa by 28 December, and with a practice game set to be on the schedule, the possibility of the New Year Test is all but over.

A BCCI official involved in the scheduling revealed that it will be finalised after consulting the team management.

“The tour will be anywhere between 45-50 days as the team management wants a minimum of four days between Tests. With the limited time available, we have to take other things into consideration. As of now, there is absolutely no talk of reducing the number of matches,” the official told Express on Tuesday.