 It is possible that India will host South Africa for two test matches and
three ODIs instead of five ODIs that was originally planned in a series in India,
early next year. Earlier, there was a test series that was planned as well, however,
it was later changed to accommodate only the five ODIs. However, following the
wide spread criticism from the media about the lack of test matches that India
would play in the next year, the BCCI seems to have taken a step in the right
direction.
Earlier, even Sachin Tendulkar had been outspoken about the number of
test matches that India had been playing in today's day and age - six in 2009
and before the two against South Africa were planned, they were to play only
five in 2010, and not one before October 2010! Recently, India was also christened
the number one team in the test matches overtaking South Africa in the process.
Hence, the series between the two sides will make even more sense! The last
time the two sides had played in India was in 2008, with the scoreline reading
1-1. South Africa had won the second test match in Ahmedabad, whereas India
had equalled back in the decider at Kanpur. The first test match of the series
at Chennai had resulted in a very high-scoring draw.
The one series before that in South Africa was won by the hosts, 2-1 after
the Indians had taken a 1-0 lead in the series thanks to Shanthakumaran Sreesanth.
The chances of the test series happening received a boost when the South African
players have also come out in the support of the test matches. The South African
Players Association (SACA) said the players were more than happy to be a part
of more Tests instead of ODIs on the tour scheduled for February-March 2010.
Earlier, the issue had been whether the players would be able to play in the
domestic T20 league which would be in the final stages of the tournament. The
SACA chief, Tony Irish has said, "We would prefer to go there [India]
and play two Tests and three one-dayers rather than playing five-ODI series."
He also added that the South Africans had played very little test cricket in
this year, and that means that it would do them and the format of the game very
good if the number one and the number two in the world played more tests.
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