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SA vs IND: Boxing Day Test match in Centurion to be played behind closed doors   

India will be up against South Africa in the upcoming three-match Test series starting on December 26 in Centurion

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India will be up against South Africa in the upcoming three-match Test series starting on December 26 in Centurion. Earlier, Cricket South Africa (CSA) had promised that it will allow spectators to come into the stadium. However, due to the new variant of COVID-19 Omicron, the board has decided that it won’t sell tickets to spectators. According to reports in Rapport, only some suite holders and delegates will get to witness the match from Centurion.

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The second Test match which is due to start from January 3 in Wanderers will also possibly played behind closed doors. As of now, no ticket sales have been issued. However, the organizers are waiting for a new update from the health ministry.

"Please note, no announcement has been made regarding ticket sales for the upcoming Test match at the #ImperialWanderers Stadium between South Africa and India," the official Twitter account of the stadium said.

"At this point, it isn't clear if fans will be allowed. We will make further announcements in due course."

South Africa have been hit hard by Omicron since November. The team’s ODI series against the Netherlands got canceled due to the threat of the virus. There were also serious doubts cast over India visiting South Africa amidst Omicron. However, the CSA board worked things out with the Indian board, and are set to go ahead with the tour. It has also assured the Indian team of a fully secure bio-bubble environment.

India arrived in South Africa on December 16 to play three Tests and three ODIs. The Test matches will be part of the second cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). India are currently placed fourth on the points table. While South Africa will get to play their first series in the new WTC cycle.

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