"We are worried that they may not be able to host" - New Year Test at Newlands could be in doubt

A decision on the game, which is set to be the second of the four-match series, could be made after a set of meetings next week in Cape Town, according to South African news website Independent Online

The 2020 New Year’s Test at Newlands between South Africa and England could be in doubt because of safety concerns brought about by construction work taking place around the venue.

A decision on the game, which is set to be the second of the four-match series, could be made after a set of meetings next week in Cape Town, according to South African news website Independent Online.

“We are worried that they may not be able to host the Test,” Thabang Moroe, Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, said.

Already this week, the national cricket body has suspended the board of the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) from its role, appointing an administrator to look after the province’s cricketing business.

As well as facing financial difficulties as it looks to redevelop Newlands, the historic ground is also currently carrying a large hole at one end of the venue that will eventually house a new stand. If it is determined that Cricket South Africa remain unsatisfied with the progress at the ground, the Test could be moved to a different stadium.

“The construction is going to disrupt a little bit in terms of how they would normally host,” Moroe added.

“There is a big hole in the ground. We need to make sure that the hosting standards that the ICC expect us to uphold are upheld, that the English also feel safe in coming to the grounds and that we can cater for all the spectators because we are expecting quite a big number of English supporters.”

After meetings have taken place between the relevant parties, a decision will be made on a deadline for the ground’s hosting of the Test.

“Then we can say, based on that information what the deadline will be – that is reasonable for us as CSA – to make a call as far as whether it can host the Test effectively,” he said.