Originally India were meant to face the Proteas in the Tests, however, due to time constraints the first of three Tests will only start on 5 January in the New Year’s Tests.

This has left an opportunity for our northern neighbours to fill the void.

There is an extra twist in the tale of the Day-Night Test. Cricket South Africa announced that the Test will also be the first-ever four-day Test match.

CSA is in the process of having the Test ratified and securing Test status for the fixture.

“We have now finalised the fixtures for a very busy home summer of international cricket,” said the CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

“The Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Test series starts at Newlands on Friday, January 5, and will be a series to be watched as the number 1 and 2 best-ranked teams in the world challenge for the Freedom Trophy.

“The time constraints faced by India have forced us to reduce the Test matches to three while increasing white ball cricket to six ODIs and three T20I matches.

“To ensure we do not disappoint our loyal fans over the traditional Boxing Day period and to take advantage of our brand-new lights at St George’s Park, we will host Zimbabwe in the first ever 4-day D/N Test match to be played. The Test status of the match is subject to ICC approval.

"This will give us a total of 10 home Test matches this summer against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, India and Australia, making this our busiest home Test season ever.

“The extensive revamping of our international grounds are on schedule and the D/N Test match promises to be a world-class experience for the players and fans.

“The Proteas are currently ranked No. 1 and India No. 3 in ODI cricket, so fans will have the chance to see great cricket in the limited overs format too,” Lorgat added.

The Proteas will also face India in six One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals. These fixtures will be confirmed later.

The Proteas get their summer underway and next week is the first Test against Bangladesh to be played at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. The second Test will be played at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport