Nine Network to broadcast Australia v South Africa

It is the rematch that has cricket fans whetting their lips in anticipation - world champions Australia playing South Africa in a three-match, one-day cricket series to be screened on the Nine Network in April.

The series in the first clash since their dramatic and memorable tie in the semifinals of the 1999 World Cup. Australia advanced to the World Cup final where they defeated Pakistan, while a shattered South Africa were left to lament lost opportunities.

Since their World Cup victory Steve Waugh's Australians have been unstoppable in the one-day game, winning the Carlton & United Series at home against Pakistan and India, and most recently securing a 4-1 series win in New Zealand.

South Africa meanwhile lost their latest limited-overs series in India 3-2, but will have the advantage of meeting the Australians on home soil for these matches.

Wide World of Sports will broadcast all three matches in the South African series. The first match will be played in Durban on Wednesday April 12, with Nine's live telecast beginning at 10pm AEST.

Live coverage of the second match from Cape Town on Friday April 14 will be broadcast from 10.45pm through to 6am on Saturday morning.

Nine will then screen a delayed coverage of the third match from Johannesburg on Sunday April 16 from 8.30pm.

Australia will also meet the Proteas in a historic three-match series in August, indoors at Melbourne's new Colonial Stadium on August 16, 18 and 20.