THURSDAY, 1.00PM:
UNITED Cricket Board of South Africa MD Ali Bacher confirmed on Wednesday that South Africa will play their first five-test cricket series since 1960 when they tour England next year. He said South Africa will also take part in a triangular one-day with Sri Lanka and a third side.
“This is the first time since 1960 that we have had a five-test tour away from home, whether it be England, Australia or anywhere else,” said Bacher.
Before playing in the triangular series, South Africa will play tests at Old Trafford, Lord’s, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston and Headingley.
The three nations will play each other before the final at Lord’s on August 20.
“We are delighted, especially as there is such a teriffic audience for test cricket in England,” added Bacher. As part of the UCB’s support for the “globalisation of the game”, SA will also play two one-day internationals against Ireland and a match against the Netherlands.
SPORT BRIEFS
BUCKS BACK ON TOP BUSH Bucks are back at the top of the Premier Soccer League table after beating AmaZulu in a closely contested match at Umtata Stadium on Wednesday night. Bucks beat AmaZulu 2-1, with all goals scored in the second half. Wilfred Mugeyi and Thabo Mngomeni scored for Bucks and Sisa Amasi replied for the visitors.
A rejuvenated Orlando Pirates beat Wits University 2-0 at FNB Stadium. Dimunitive midfielder Steve Lekoela opened the score for the “Buccaneers”, and super-sub Andries Sebola made it 2-0 for Pirates.
NEW GLIDING RECORD SOUTH African gliding champion Frank Jaschinski broke the national distance record of 314km by flying from Kuruman to Kerksdorp in six hours 18 minutes.
BOLAND BEATS WINDIES A The touring West Indies A team lost to Boland by six runs in a day-night cricket match at Paarl on Wednesday. This was their first defeat in six outings. Boland, who won the toss and batted first, hit 202/6, thanks to Chad Grainger, who contributed 81 and was voted man of the match. The Windies replied with 196/8.
OLIVIER HEADS BULLS FORMER Pretoria mayor Piet Olivier was on Wednesday elected as the new president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union. Olivier defeated Chris de Beer by 44 votes to 34. Other office bearers: Deputy president Dolf van Huyssteen, vice presidents De Beer, Piet Nieman, Dave Bergman, Boet Fick, Piet Steyn.
NITCH TO QUARTERS SOUTH Africa’s Claire Nitch is through to the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Classic squash tournament.