Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday (November 5) confirmed that the third Test between South Africa and India will be held in Cape Town instead of Johannesburg in January 2022.

As per the initial itinerary, Johannesburg was scheduled to host the first and third Tests while the second Test was slated to be played in Centurion.

Both teams were due to spend the Test entire series, from December 17 to January 7, in a bio-secure bubble nearby the two venues.

The revised schedule means that the Newlands ground will resume its tradition of hosting a New Year Test, with the match due to start on January 3.

No reasons were provided for switching the venue for the third and final Test.

Meanwhile, it is yet to be known whether the spectators will be allowed during the three WTC fixtures. Apparently, COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa have been eased in recent months, with outdoor gatherings of up to 2,000 permitted.

Graeme Smith, CSA’s director of cricket, said in October that the organisation was “pushing hard” for spectators to be allowed to attend the matches.

India will also play three ODIs and four T20Is during the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Revised Schedule:

17-21 December, first Test, Johannesburg

26-30 December, second Test, Centurion

3-7 January, third Test, Cape Town

11 January, first one-day international, Paarl

14 January, second one-day international, Cape Town

16 January, third one-day international, Cape Town

19 January, first T20 international, Cape Town

21 January, second T20 international, Cape Town

23 January, third T20 international, Paarl

26 January, fourth T20 international, Paarl

(With AFP inputs)