The history of Cape Town, South Africa and International Cricket comes together in the story of Newlands cricket ground. Voted the number-two test venue in the world by a panel of experts from The Cricketer
Newlands hosted its first test match in March 1889, only five years after test cricket was first played at Lords. Not even a country at the time, South Africa had started its journey towards becoming one of the great cricketing nations. England won at Newlands in 1889, 1892, 1896, 1899 and 1906. South Africa finally turned the tables in the second of two tests played at Newlands in 1906, with another win in 1910. The home fans then had to wait 60 years before the next victory at Newlands against Bill Lawry’s 1970 Australians.
While Newlands rich history is peppered with exceptional cricket memories, it was also blemished by colonial and apartheid mentalities, which meant that for many years, only white cricketers could play at Newlands for Western Province or South Africa.
A new era of modern cricket was ushered in with the collapse of apartheid and the birth of a new South African democracy in the early 1990s. With South Africa officially joining the international cricket community, a new world opened up for local fans as India—with its little magician Tendulkar— Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka and other countries made their debuts at Newlands.
Today we took the time to visit Cape Town’s most famous cricket ground, Newlands Cricket ground. This is the only venue in Cape Town where international matches are held. Mr. John kindly showed us the ground and talked about some of the wonderful history surrounding this area. This ground is obviously home to South Africa’s international cricket team, the Proteas. Along with international test and one day matches, many T20 league and international matches are played here as well. The beauty of this ground is unbelievable because it is located right behind the iconic Table Mountain. Mr. John made a few cracks about how no one can make a catch at this ground due to the distraction of its stunning beauty with a backdrop of Table Mountain, and I could not agree more. It is truly one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed and whomever gets the opportunity to play on this wonderful pitch is blessed beyond belief.
By Parth