South Africans here next month

Christopher Dambarage

CRICKET: Sri Lanka's home test series against South Africa will start next month which will be followed by the Triangular limited overs series which also involves India.

The South African team will arrive on July 19 and will play their only warm up match a three-day fixture from July 22 to 24 in Colombo. The first test will be worked off from July 27 to 31 at the SSC grounds, Maitland Place. The second test between South Africa and Sri Lanka will take place from August 4 to 8 at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo. South Africa will then play a one day warm up match on August 11 before heading for the Triangular one day series in Dambulla.

Meanwhile the Indian team will arrive on August 10 and will play their first warm up game on August 13 at the Welagedera Stadium in Kurunegala. Sri Lanka will take on South Africa in the opening match on August 14 and all fixtures will be played under lights.

Sri Lanka will meet India in the second game on August 16 and this will be followed by the clash between South Africa and India on August 18. Sri Lanka will play their fourth match against South Africa on August 20 before the three teams return back to Colombo for the second phase of the tournament.

The R. Premadasa Stadium in Khettarama will host the last two preliminary round matches and the final with all games to be worked off under lights. India will figure in both games when they take on Sri Lanka on August 23 and South Africa on August 26 before the final scheduled for August 29.