Cricket South Africa (CSA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have both confirmed that the teams will be involved in a Test tournament in 2022. South Africa will travel to New Zealand for this competition. In this article, we take a look at the schedule of the South Africa tour of New Zealand that will happen in February next year.
South Africa tour of New Zealand schedule announced
The first Test match will start on 17th February at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The second game will begin on 25the February at Cello Basin Reserve in the capital city of Wellington. These Tests will be a part of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
CSA Director of Cricket Graeme Smith spoke about the tour on CSA’s website. He said, “It’s wonderful to be able to confirm these fixtures, as Test cricket is a vital part of the CSA pipeline strategy. Having our team take on the defending World Test Champions in their backyard is another welcome challenge for the Proteas, who have proven themselves well-able in foreign conditions of late.”
The former opener added, “These fixtures will play a role in helping Dean Elgar and his charges to further forge themselves as a powerhouse in Test cricket and hopefully add vital points to the World Test Championship table. Our thanks, on behalf of CSA, go to David White and New Zealand Cricket for accommodating our request for a change in dates in order to secure this important series and content.”
An interesting battle on the cards
The tournament will have a few interesting battles on the cards. South Africa has a splendid Test bowling line-up comprising the likes of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada. On the other hand, the Kiwis boast of a solid batting line-up headed by the skipper Kane Williamson. The New Zealand bowling line-up will also be a stiff challenge for the South African batsmen. Overall, this tour promises fine cricketing entertainment.
Meanwhile, the Black Caps will want to win the T20 World Cup on Sunday. This will complete the double for them. They had won the World Test Championship recently by defeating India in the final.
