NEW DELHI - The picturesque Himalayan hillstation of Dharamsala will make its debut as a Test venue by hosting the finale of a much-anticipated series between India and Australia in the new year.
India's Virat Kohli holds his bat during a break during an ODI match at The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamsala, on October 16, 2016
Dharamsala, which is home to the Dalai Lama, is the latest beneficiary of a new drive by the Indian board to take five-day cricket to smaller venues, along with the city of Ranchi which will also host its first Test in March.
The series opener will be played from February 23-27 in the western city of Pune followed by matches in Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala, India's board said in a statement Friday.
In June the board announced India would play as many as 13 Tests in an exhaustive home season with back-to-back contests against New Zealand, England and Australia.
Bangladesh will also play a one-off Test during the season, their first such outing in India since they gained Test status in 2000.
India are currently the number one Test side in the world while Australia are the holders of the ODI World Cup.
Schedule:
India vs Australia
Feb 23-27: First Test, Pune
Mar 4-8: Second Test, Bangalore
Mar 16-20: Third Test, Ranchi
Mar 25-29: Fourth Test, Dharamsala