CSA announces fixtures for 2019-20 home season: Details here
What's the story
Cricket South Africa has announced the dates and venues for the upcoming 2019-20 home season, while Centurion was retained as the host of the Boxing Day Test.
The season would see two nations touring, as England would be coming for a full series, involving all formats, while Australia would tour later for just white-ball series.
The season runs from December 26 to March 7.
England tour
England start proceedings with Boxing Day Test
The season begins with the Boxing Day Test against England, followed by the second Test in Cape Town.
The third and fourth Test would be played in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, respectively.
The Tests would be followed by three ODIs from February 4 to 9, and three T20Is between February 12 to 16.
England would also be playing four warm-ups during the tour.
Australia tour
Australia to focus on limited-overs campaign only
The tour would be followed by Australians arriving for ODIs and T20Is.
As they arrive in late February, they would start with three T20Is, while the tour ends with three ODIs between February 29 to March 7.
The final ODI would be played at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, which would be Australia's first visit to the venue since 2003 World Cup.
Action-packed season
CSA expects quality entertainment and action for Proteas cricket fans
CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe is thrilled with the two action-packed series, as he expects quality entertainment for the South African cricketing fans.
Meanwhile, the focus would be on the Test series, since it would be their first home series of the ICC World Test Championship.
Also, CSA is reportedly working with SA Tourism around the Test venues to boost the South African economy.
Quote
South Africa to focus on ICC World T20 2020
"The two KFC T20 international series take on extra relevance as we start our preparation for the ICC Men's World T20 to be played in Australia in October and November next year," Moroe further asserted.
England schedule
Centurion awaits English challenge on Boxing Day
Fixtures vs England:
Dec 26-30: 1st Test, Centurion
Jan 3-8: 2nd Test, Cape Town
Jan 16-20: 3rd Test, Port Elizabeth
Jan 24-28: 4th Test, Johannesburg
Feb 4: 1st ODI, Cape Town
Feb 7: 2nd ODI, Durban
Feb 9: 3rd ODI, Johannesburg
Feb 12: 1st T20I, East London
Feb 14: 2nd T20I, Durban
Feb 16: 3rd T20I, Centurion
Australia schedule
Australia travel to Potchefstroom after 17 years
Fixtures vs Australia:
Feb 21 - 1st T20I, Bidvest Wanderers, Johannesburg
Feb 23 - 2nd T20I, St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
Feb 26 - 3rd T20I, PPC Newlands, Cape Town
Feb 29 - 1st ODI, Eurolux Park, Paarl
Mar 4 - 2nd ODI, Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Mar 7 - 3rd ODI, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom