England announce South Africa tour schedule
Andrew Strauss will be looking to emulate Michael Vaughan, who skippered England to victory in South Africa in 2005
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Friday, 23, Jan 2009 10:37
England will play four Tests when they tour South Africa next winter.
The tour also includes five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals in November.
The series starts on November 10th with a 20-over match against South Africa A, before Twenty20 matches on November 13th and 15th.
That will be followed by the ODI series from November 20th, with the first Test starting on December 16th in Centurion.
England managing director Hugh Morris said Andrew Strauss' side are relishing the tour.
"They have worked with us to provide an exciting and well-balanced tour," Morris said.
"It makes good sense to start with the ODIs given the schedule of cricket that we have in September, October and November 2009.
"The four Test matches are scheduled for iconic grounds and I am sure that thousands of England supporters will be looking forward to spending their Christmas and New Year holidays following the team."
The Proteas are currently second in the Test rankings and last month beat Australia away 2-1.
When England last toured South Africa in 2004-2005, Michael Vaughan's side won the Test series 2-1.