Proteas relish full houses

South Africa squad is relishing the opportunity to play at home in front of full houses when the T20 series against Australia starts at Sahara Park Newlands on Thursday, October 13.

There were only 3 000 tickets left for this match at the close on business on Tuesday and even fewer ? 2 000 ? for the second match at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Sunday, October 16.

The Proteas have not played at home since the end of the India tour in January.

"We are always grateful for the support we receive from our fans," commented acting T20 and ODI captain Hashim Amla. "It is always a source of inspiration to play in front of bumper crowds and it brings out the best in the team. Our matches against Australia have always been tight and often nerve-tangling and have produced memorable performances.

"I am sure this season?s contests will be no different."

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola commented: "Our fans are the lifeblood of the game and are central to our vision of making cricket a truly national sport and of making South Africa a nation of winners."

Booking is also well advanced for the three ODIs that follow the T20 series to be played at SuperSport Park on Wednesday, October 19 (day/night game), Axxess St. George?s on Sunday, October 23 (day game) and at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Friday, October 28 (day/night game).

The Australian team arrives in South Africa on Saturday and will have their first practice at Sahara Park Newlands on Sunday afternoon while the Proteas will hold their first practice under head coach Gary Kirsten on Monday afternoon.