Although visits to India and Sri Lanka are scheduled for 2000, an expansion of tours to this teeming area of the world is part of the United Cricket Board's strategy well into the millennium.
As it is five members of the South African A side likely to be involved in the opening game are old sub-continent hands: Dale Benkenstein, the captain, Nicky Boje, Derek Crookes, Herschelle Gibbs and Mark Bruyns.
But there are several other talented players waiting for a chance to bid for places in the senior ranks.
And South Africa's selection for this first match may not differ too much from that selected for the rained off opening game in Colombo with the choice of a spinner or fast bowler being the main difference. So, while the top six batsmen are likely to remain those lined up for the first rain-affected fiasco, the bowling places are not so easy to call.
The side had a rare rain-free afternoon training session at Asgiriya Stadium yesterday while the Sri Lankans held their session in Colombo.
What we could find is either Gary Gilder or Henry Williams fighting for the new ball role and Boje brought into the side to add experience in the lower order and left-arm variety and give Benkenstein the choice of two spinners and Alan Dawson as the seam back up.
Surprisingly the Sri Lanka selectors have switched captains and restructured their bowling attack from the team which lost the series 2-0 to England A earlier this year.
Sajith Fernando, their new captain spent much of last southern summer playing in Queensland and is said to have brought a new approach to the Sri Lanka A side.
After so much rain in the ancient capital in the past 10 days the pitch is likely to be slow and the outfield heavy. but it was given a chance to further dry out under the afternoon sun.
Teams:
South Africa A (possible): Ashewell Prince, Mark Bruyns, HD Ackerman, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Benkenstein (capt), Derek Crookes, Nicky Boje, Nic Pothas, Alan Dawson, Herman Bakkes, Henry Williams.
Sri Lanka A: Sajith Fernando (capt), Upeka Fernando, Sanjeewa Ranatunga, Avishka Gunawardena, Manoj Mendis, Malintha Warnapura, TM Dilshan, Tilan Samaraweera, Indika Gallage, Malinga Bandara, Ruchira Perea. Twelfth man, Indika de Saram.