Last Updated on 1 hour ago by Charbel Coorey
South Africa are finally playing a Test match at home, 14 months after winning the World Test Championship (WTC). However, the Proteas and Australia have been met with a very low crowd in Durban on day one of their highly-anticipated series.
Before the Test, Cricinfo’s Firdose Moonda put a few reasons forward as to why crowds may be lower for this Test. School, a stagnant economy, high unemployment and nearby beaches in beautiful weather are key factors according to the South African cricket correspondent.
Also, the MTN8 Final – a football knockout cup – will be played closeby at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday 6pm local time. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will do battle in front of 50,000 fans.
Why is there a low crowd in Durban for the SA-AUS Test? Fans, pundits react
However, fans and pundits expected more for what is a big occasion. The empty stands and grass banks have led to plenty of reactions, with debates as to the state of Test cricket as well as a history of lower attendances at Kingsmead.
“If you love Test cricket, you have to be following it [the South Africa-Australia series]. Bought a match pass. Decent cricket. But there is nobody at Kingsmead! Hopefully some people later today and on the weekend,” wrote Harsha Bhogle on X (formerly Twitter).
“Why are people acting surprised at the poor crowd attendance in Durban?” wrote fan Lawrence Bailey.
“I mean there’s a reason why CSA had to take the Boxing Day Test from them. I heard good crowds are expected over the weekend but if this was Newlands or Centurion a good 10,000 would’ve been in already.”
Fatima from the The Popping Crease didn’t mince words.
“Crowd this morning has been despicable. First day of a Test series, the first time you’re seeing your champions at home, and you don’t show up. They better turn up after lunch.”
Here are some of the reactions.
It will be interesting to see what the crowd is like over the weekend. According to reports, around 8,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday.
At the time of writing, South Africa are on top, reducing Australia to 124/5 after 42 overs.
