South Africa to entertain New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka in 2016

The year 2016- 17 is going to be a jam-packed year for the Proteas. Cricket South Africa has announced that South Africa will be facing New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and Ireland next year, which is sure to get their supporters excited, reports ESPNCricinfo.

The season will start with a two-match Test series against New Zealand in August 2016. Following which, South Africa will host Australia in a five-match ODI series in September and October 2016. Sri Lanka is scheduled to visit South Africa from December to February for three Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. After a packed home season, will be a full tour of New Zealand in February and March 2017.

"Playing against New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and Sri Lanka in one season will test the winning ways of our [team]," CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said. "It will also provide our fans with the opportunity to watch them in action at home in five Sunfoil Test matches, 11 Momentum ODIs and three KFC T20 International matches.”

Lorgat also added: “Test cricket will remain the main focus for our world No. 1 ranked team, and I am pleased the ICC has increased the total Test rankings prize money to $US 1.8 million.

“Our team will no doubt have a keen eye on ODI cricket too as the major ICC event in 2017 is the ICC Champions Trophy to be played in England in mid-2017. By announcing the fixtures early we are creating time for our most loyal fans to make their holiday plans to follow the team.”

While the Proteas will be facing Australia in the home series, it will be preceded by a visiting Ireland side, who will play one ODI each against South Africa and Australia.

CEO of Cricket Ireland Warren Deutrom was pleased about the prospect of playing two of the top three ranked countries, in South Africa and Australia. "Cricket Ireland is most grateful to Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia for giving us this opportunity," he said.

"These matches are precisely what [coach] John Bracewell was referring to when he said we need more matches, more regularly, against the best players, in overseas conditions."

South Africa’s 2016-17 home season

vs New Zealand

August 19-23: 1st Sunfoil Test match, Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, Durban

August 27-31: 2nd Sunfoil Test match, SuperSport Park, Centurion

vs Ireland

September 25: Momentum ODI vs. South Africa, Day, Sahara Park Willowmoore, Benoni

September 27: ODI vs. Australia, Day, Sahara Park Willowmoore, Benoni

vs Australia

September 30: 1st Momentum ODI, D/N, SuperSport Park, Centurion

October 2: 2nd Momentum ODI, Day, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

October 5: 3rd Momentum ODI, D/N, Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, Durban

October 9: 4th Momentum ODI, Day, St. George's Park, Port Elizabeth

October 12: 5th Momentum ODI, D/N, PPC Newlands, Cape Town

vs Sri Lanka

December 8-10: Three-Day Tour match, SA Invitation XI, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom

December 15-19: 1st Sunfoil Test match, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

December 26-30: 2nd Sunfoil Test match, St. George's Park, Port Elizabeth

January 2-6: 3rd Sunfoil Test match, PPC Newlands, Cape Town

January 10: 1st KFC T20 International, D/N, PPC Newlands, Cape Town

January 13: 2nd KFC T20 International, D/N, SuperSport Park, Centurion

January 15: 3rd KFC T20 International, Day, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

January 20: 1st Momentum ODI, D/N, Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban

January 22: 2nd Momentum ODI, Day, St. George's Park, Port Elizabeth

January 27: 3rd Momentum ODI, D/N, PPC Newlands, Cape Town

January 29: 4th Momentum ODI, Day, Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

February 3: 5th Momentum ODI, D/N, SuperSport Park, Centurion