Sky Sports and Cricket South Africa have extended their longstanding broadcasting partnership to exclusively air the England men’s upcoming tour of South Africa this winter, according to an announcement from Sky Sports. The agreement covers a packed international schedule across multiple formats, bringing live coverage to viewers in the UK via Sky Sports and streaming service NOW.
England Men’s Tour Schedule and Format
England’s winter campaign in South Africa features a three-Test series running across December and January, marking the national side’s first Test tour of the country in seven years, according to Sky Sports. The Test fixtures follow England’s home Test series against Pakistan and will serve as Stephen Fleming’s first series in charge as England men’s Test head coach. The Test matches are scheduled as follows:
- First Test: Johannesburg, starting December 17
- Second Test: Centurion, starting December 26
- Third Test: Cape Town, starting January 3
Following the red-ball fixtures, the teams will contest a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in January. These limited-overs matches form a crucial part of England’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November of that year, as reported by Sky Sports. The ODI matches take place on:
- First ODI: Paarl, January 10
- Second ODI: Bloemfontein, January 13
- Third ODI: Bloemfontein, January 15
Broadcasting Partnership and Broader Schedule
The newly extended agreement reinforces a broadcast relationship spanning more than three decades. Throughout that period, Sky Sports has broadcast live coverage of every England men’s Test series played on South African soil. The network’s cricket portfolio also encompasses all home England men’s and women’s international and domestic matches.
Before England arrives, the South African home summer gets underway this week. According to Sky Sports, Australia’s men’s team begins a tour on Thursday featuring three ODIs—starting in Durban, followed by matches in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom—before contesting a three-Test series across Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town through October.
The winter and spring calendar continues with multi-format tours involving Bangladesh, India Women, and Australia Women running through April, ensuring continuous international cricket coverage on the platform.
Worth a look