A senior South African cricket official has pledged to order a review into the low attendance at the first Test against Australia in Durban, where fewer than 20,000 fans watched across five days.
The disappointing turnout came despite South Africa being the reigning world Test champions and Australia being the number one-ranked side in the world. Australia, touring South Africa for the first time since the 2018 sandpaper scandal, won the match by 214 runs. They can wrap up the three-match series when the second Test gets under way in Gqeberha on Sunday.
“It is impossible to overlook our disappointment that just under 20,000 fans attended across the five days,” said KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union chief executive Heinrich Strydom.
“A Test match of this quality deserved greater support in the stands. This is something we will reflect on through a thorough internal review.
“We need to listen to our supporters, reconnect with our communities and continue to find ways to make Test cricket more accessible, engaging and appealing.
“Test cricket is part of our sporting heritage and its future depends on all of us.”
Attendances for Test cricket have been declining in many places around the world, most notably in South Africa and the West Indies. Live sport still draws large crowds in South Africa, however. While the Test was underway, a football cup final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns attracted more than 50,000 fans across town in Durban.
“While we recognise supporters face competing demands on their time and finances, we must also understand better what influences their decisions to attend and what more we can do to make live cricket an attractive and worthwhile experience,” added Strydom.
South Africa call up ‘Aussie agitator’ Breetzke
On the field, South Africa have responded to their heavy first-Test defeat by calling up Matthew Breetzke, whom Cricket Australia’s website described as an “Aussie agitator.” Breetzke has been added to the squad at the expense of Tristan Stubbs, who is left out for the second Test after scores of 32 and one in Durban.
Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne remains in the squad but loses the gloves, with Ryan Rickelton set to keep wicket. Breetzke and the uncapped Marques Ackerman look likely to come into the top order in place of Stubbs and Verreynne.
Earlier in the tour, Breetzke scored a century in the first one-day international against Australia. He drew the ire of the Australians when he pinched a single after a throw rebounded off his body. Cricket Australia’s website said the 27-year-old “got under Australia’s skin.” South Africa coach Shukri Conrad admitted that Breetzke’s temperament was a factor in his selection.
“The attitude and character that Matt brings and has, I think that will go a long way,” said Conrad.
Breetzke has played two previous Tests, managing only 14 runs in three innings, and has not played a first-class match since February. However, the right-hander has made a sublime start to his one-day international career, averaging almost 59 from 17 matches.
South Africa must avoid defeat in the second Test to avoid losing the series with a game to spare. The 214-run loss was the world champions’ first defeat in captain Temba Bavuma’s 13 matches in charge. The hosts are likely to include pace bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the first Test as part of his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Australia weigh up batting changes
Australia will also have decisions to make over their batting line-up after being forced into changes for the first Test. Injuries to Cameron Green and Josh Inglis meant a first Test in 10 years for Nic Maddinson. The opener was called into the XI despite not playing a first-class match in the previous 19 months following treatment for testicular cancer.
With Maddinson at the top of the order, Matthew Renshaw moved down to number five and produced a career-best performance. The Middlesbrough-born left-hander scored 190 and 82, and also claimed two wickets with his off-breaks.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said Green is “progressing well” from an abdominal injury, while Inglis has started batting again after suffering a broken finger. If either or both are passed fit, Maddinson would possibly sit out, with Renshaw pushed back up to open.