South Africa had beaten Australia in the first ever Test between the two countries in 1994

The third and deciding Test between South Africa and the visiting Australian team is being celebrated as an supreme opportunity to mark the Rainbow Nation’s two-decade-old freedom.

Twenty years ago, late Nelson Mandela became the first democratically-elected president of South Africa after nearly 50 years of apartheid.

“I consider this third and final Test match between South Africa and Australia, the two best Test playing nations in the world, an ideal opportunity for further international experience of our significant milestone and positioning South Africa as a great country,

It also affords South Africa an opportunity to convey its sincere appreciation and sincerest thankfulness to Australia for its curtail support during our long struggle against apartheid,” Mbalula added.

The match is significant since it was on March 8, 1994 that South Africa beat Australia in the first Test played by the two countries at Wanderers in Johannesburg after the readmission of the Proteas into the international sporting arena, said Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

“CSA is indeed greatly honoured to be able to play a significant role in the celebration of 20 years of our country’s young equality,” he said.

“During this time sport has played a consequential role to unify and uplift our nation. This Test match between possibly the two best teams in the world will continue our gift to this process.”