Cricket South Africa (CSA) director Graeme Smith discussed the team’s forthcoming home series versus India in December and January 2022, noting how valuable it is for the nation financially. South Africa suffered significant losses last year after England dropped out of their ODI series owing to the immediate risk of COVID-19.
South Africa’s domestic season suffered a further setback earlier this year when Australia declined to visit for its slated 3 Tests in February and March. Smith was hopeful about the approaching India series, believing it is one of the most important series for paying back some of the financial losses sustained over the last year or so.
We are certainly pushing hard to get crowds back for that series: Graeme Smith
India will face 3 Tests in South Africa between December 17 to January 7. Following that, the sides will compete in a four-match T20I series beginning on January 11 and ending on January 16. The CSA director also anticipates a strong showing for the next matches.
“Having India here at the end of the year is a huge tour for us. It’s not only from a cricket perspective where their results over a period of time have been exciting away from home, which is unique for an Indian team. They have never won here and that adds a lot to the flavor of the Test summer. It’s a huge tour for Cricket SA which is trying to rebuild itself from a challenging time. The chairman and the board have been in a number of meetings around it. We are certainly pushing hard to get crowds back for that series,” Smith said.
Sri Lanka seems to be the only Asian side to have clinched a Test series in South Africa. India is yet to win their first series, which ought to be plenty to inspire Virat Kolhi’s team to give it their best across the 3 Tests.
Smith also stated that he wants the energy and excitement of the supporters to return to the venue. The former South African captain also stated that the government is attempting to vaccinate the bulk of the population should be recognized throughout the series versus India.
“I watched some videos in the first part of the seminar and looking back at the full stadiums, the energy, and the vibe, and we certainly want to get that back there by the end of the year. We have done our bit in terms of pushing vaccinations and hopefully, we can crowds back by the end of the year. Let’s hold thumbs!”.
