Why St George’s Park is special?

St George's Park here is the oldest Test venue in the country, certainly the most atmospheric of all grounds

Why St George's Park is special?

St George's Park here is the oldest Test venue in the country, certainly the most atmospheric of all grounds. It was the venue for the first-ever women's international Test, the last Test before South Africa's expulsion from cricket and also host to most of the 'Rebel' Tests in the early 1980s. It also hosted South Africa's first-ever Rugby Test.

Even a lame cricket fan can get shell-shocked when informed of its rich history. A stroll around this beautiful ground provides sufficient amount of history to a first-time visitor. With the majestic Duckpond Pavilion towering over the surrounding stands, St George's has also been home to some world-class cricketers including the Pollock brothers, Peter and Graeme. It is also home of Cricket South Africa (CSA) President Gerald Majola and former ICC President Ray Mali.

"Forget a cricket ground, about 150 years ago this place was an open tract of veld besides a cemetery. The British settlers came here and brought cricket with them. They came and tried to impose the game on the locals. They remodelled the ground on few occasions. Today, there is no city in South Africa where there is more passion for cricket," a staff of the Eastern Province Cricket Association said.

In 1989, this ground celebrated its centenary year and there are pictures of famous cricketers put up for display in the basement walkthrough. "The Port Elizabeth Town Council leased two acres of land to the Cricket Club and that's how the sport started here. There was still sufficient space provided for other sports. There was a time when cricket, tennis, rugby and athletics were all played simultaneously. All these sports and their unions found home at St George's Park. It was only in 2003 when we didn't allow rugby to be played here because of the World Cup," he added.

In fact, the Eastern Province Cricket Board had to churn up the field by rugby boots just before the World Cup. "CSA had to release additional funds, so that we could get the ground prepared in time. They spent millions of rands on improving the ground. It was a blessing in disguise for the stadium," he said.