South Africa seek better crowds for second Australia Test

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 20:32 · Archive

South Africa attracted just under 20,000 spectators across five days of the first Test against Australia in Durban.

South Africa attracted just under 20,000 spectators across all five days of the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, with stands largely empty for most of the match. Australia won by 214 runs. Durban authorities have launched a review into the poor attendance.

South Africa are hoping for better crowds at the second Test in Gqeberha this week. St George's Park generally attracts stronger attendances than Kingsmead. Bad weather and scheduling could affect turnout, however.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said he found the quiet atmosphere 'quite calm', and noted that outside Australia, England and some parts of India, Test crowds are generally not particularly strong. 'Ideally you're playing in front of bigger crowds,' he added. Former Proteas captain Faf du Pleslis previously questioned the decision to hold the series opener at Kingsmead, citing its history of poor crowds.

Heinrich Strydom, CEO of the local KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union, labelled the crowds disappointing, saying a Test of that quality deserved greater support.

How it is being reported

• The concerning admission around poor Test crowdsSouth Africa are hopeful of better attendances for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, with a review to be launched into poor Durban crowd sizes.Perth Now · 17 Oct, 20:02
• The concerning admission around poor Test crowdsSouth Africa are hopeful of better attendances for the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, with a review to be launched into poor Durban crowd sizes.The West Australian · 17 Oct, 20:02

In this story: Australia · South Africa · Pat Cummins · Faf du Plessis · Heinrich Strydom · Kingsmead Stadium · Gqeberha · St George's Park

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem