A senior South African cricket official has pledged to order a review into the low crowd at the first Test against Australia in Durban.
Despite South Africa being the reigning world Test champions and Australia the number one-ranked side in the world, fewer than 20,000 fans attended across the five days. Australia won by 214 runs and 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 remains a big draw in the country, however. While the Test was being played, a football cup final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns was held across town in Durban and attracted more than 50,000 fans.
“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 pitch, 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” after he “got under Australia’s skin”.
Breetzke has been added to the squad at the expense of Tristan Stubbs, who is left out for the second Test after scoring 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 set 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 but drew the ire of the Australians when he pinched a single after a throw rebounded off his body.
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad admitted Breetzke’s temperament was a factor in his inclusion. “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 27-year-old right-hander has made a strong 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 look likely to include attack leader Kagiso Rabada after the pace bowler missed the first Test while recovering from a hamstring injury.
Australia’s batting decisions
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 led to a first Test in 10 years for Nic Maddinson. The opener was called into the XI despite not playing a first-class game 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 made scores of 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 could sit out, with Renshaw pushed back up to open.