South Africa and Zimbabwe could contest the first four-day Test in history if the International Cricket Council approves Cricket South Africa's request for the day/night fixture on Boxing Day to carry Test status. CSA announced on Wednesday (September 20) that they intend to host their neighbours for what will be the first long-form day/night fixture on the continent, and that it will be played over just four days.

CSA also revealed that they will host India for just three Tests in January, with time constraints forcing them to drop a Test from the original plan and increase the number of one-day internationals to six. India will now arrive in South Africa on December 28 and play a two-day warm-up match in Paarl ahead of the first Test at Newlands on January 5. The three Tests and six ODIs will be followed by three Twenty20 Internationals.

Four-day Tests have been discussed at the ICC in recent years with the CSA chief executive known to be among those in favor of the idea. However, just how many of the game's chief decision-makers agree that four-day Tests represent the future will be put to the test - most likely at the ICC's next meeting in October. If the ICC approve CSA's request for the fixture to be granted Test status then the first four-day Test will likely lead to many more.

"To ensure we do not disappoint our loyal fans over the traditional Boxing Day period and to take advantage of our brand-new lights at St George's Park, we will host Zimbabwe in the first ever 4-day D/N Test match to be played. The Test status of the match is subject to ICC approval," Lorgat said in a statement.

"This will give us a total of 10 home Test matches this summer against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, India and Australia, making this our busiest home Test season ever. The extensive revamping of our international grounds are on schedule and the D/N Test match promises to be a world-class experience for the players and fans." CSA also said that the specific dates and venues of India's tour would be confirmed shortly.

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