South Africa vs India 1st Test match to be played behind closed doors in Centurian: The India tour of South Africa 2021 is all set to commence on 26th December with the three matches test series at Centurian. The tour was earlier under thick clouds of danger following the emergence of a new variant of covid-19 called “Omicron,” in Southern Africa.
However, later the tour was postponed by a weeks time and the two boards decided to curtail the tour with the four matches T20I series being called off. The revised schedule was rolled out with just the Test and ODI series being played by the two sides, starting December 26.
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) is reportedly taking extra precautions to make India’s tour a successful one. The cricket board is not willing to allow fans to see the live-action from inside the stadium for the first Boxing day test match owing to the scare of the new covid variant.
Sources have informed that the first test match between South Africa and India at the SuperSport Park Centurian will be played behind closed doors. It is further learnt that only a few authorised officials and delegates will be allowed to enter the stadium and watch the quality contest.
It is noteworthy that the South African government has, though, given clearance to allow 2,000 fans in the stadium, as of now.
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Johannesburg Test will also be played behind closed doors:
In more disappointing news, the New Year test match at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg is also likely to be played without the involvement of fans. As of now, ticket sale isn’t open for the Johannesburg test match which is what the Twitter handle of the stadium also mentioned a few days ago.
“Please note, no announcement has been made regarding ticket sales for the upcoming Test match at the #ImperialWanderers Stadium between South Africa and India. At this point, it isn’t clear if fans will be allowed. We will make further announcements in due course,” the tweet read.
Schedule for South Africa vs India Test Series:
1st Test – Dec 26 – Dec 30: SuperSport Park, Centurion
2nd Test – Jan 03 – Jan 07: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
3rd Test – Jan 11- Jan 15: Newlands, Cape Town
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