Dates announced for South Africa's tour of Australia

South Africa will play three warm-up matches in Western Australia before the first game of the three-Test series against Australia starting in December.

Geoff Havercroft, the Western Australia Cricket Association spokesman, said South Africa would start the tour against the Warriors with a three-day clash at the WACA before the traditional Lilac Hill one-dayer on December 9. The side, which is expected to be led by Graeme Smith, will face a Western Australia XI in a second first-class game before the first Test.

Perth will host the opening fixture from December 16, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and the final encounter at Sydney on January 2-6. South Africa last toured in 2001-02 when Australia won the series 3-0.