SA vs IND: CSA postpones domestic matches amidst COVID threat ahead of Test series

The new variant of COVID-19, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in South Africa. Amidst the threat of the virus, the Indian board showed solidarity and agreed to continue with the tour. The much-awaited Test series will get underway in Centurion from December 26. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that the domestic fifth-round matches of Division One and Two are postponed due to preventive measures against COVID-19.

Advertisment

“The decision to defer the fifth round of matches, which were scheduled to take place between December 16-19 (Division Two) and December 19-22 (Division One), was taken as a safeguarding measure in light of the competition being held outside of a bio-secure environment and amid the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cricket South Africa (CSA) in a statement.

Speaking about India’s tour to South Africa, there were a lot of discussions going on about the possibility of the series not going as per schedule. However, South Africa’s health ministry promised India about providing a fully safe and secure environment. BCCI’s good equation with the CSA board was also instrumental in India agreeing to tour.

Initially, the tour comprised of three Tests, three ODIs, and four T20Is. CSA and the BCCI have agreed to play the T20I series later. The Indian team has reached South Africa and are gearing up for the Test series. The Virat Kohli-led side are to win a Test series against Proteas. India came close in 2006-07 and 2013 but could deliver the knockout punch.

India last toured South Africa on 2017-18. During that time, the Indian team managed to win the third Test at the Wanderers. Kohli said that win was special for the team and gave them the confidence to perform in overseas conditions. India later went to win the Test series in Australia on two occasions and managed to do well in England too. South Africa remains the final frontier for India.