Zimbabwe to host SA, Australia in August

South Africa will travel to Zimbabwe in August for a month-long tour that includes one Test as well as a triangular ODI series featuring Australia, who last played in Zimbabwe a decade ago.

The only Test will be played at the Harare Sports Club starting August 9, and will be followed by three ODIs in Bulwayo - which last hosted an international match against India in August 2013. The teams will then return back to Harare for the tri-series which is scheduled to begin on August 25.

Zimbabwe haven't played an international match at home since their historic win against Pakistan in the second Test in Harare last September. But since then, the country's cricket scene has been blighted by player strikes and administrative troubles which put a temporary halt on their domestic season. Zimbabwe Cricket had even called off a proposed visit by Sri Lanka last year due to a lack of funds.

Wilfred Mukondiwa, the managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket, was pleased that the tour was given the go-ahead, insisting that it would do a world of good for the team.

"We are really excited to have the opportunity to host two strong sides like Australia and South Africa at the same time," Mukondiwa said. "Our players need the high-level competition the two teams will provide, and our fans will enjoy watching the matches."

For South Africa, the tour will begin preparations for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as they play Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand away from home, before hosting West Indies in the lead-up to next year's showpiece event.