St George's Park History

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The Matches

---

NOT even the third failure in a row for South African skipper Graeme Smith could dampen the enthusiasm as a near-capacity crowd packed into Sahara Oval St George‘s for the fourth MTN one-day cricket international against India yesterday.

Click image to enlarge

"South Africa vs India" Picture: Fredlin Adriaan, The Herald. November 29, 2006.

With the weather playing ball, thousands of fans poured into the sun-drenched ground to witness the first international match of the season at the venue.

Later this summer, Pakistan will visit St George‘s for a Test in mid-January and a one-day international in early February.

Click image to enlarge

"South Africa vs India" Picture: Fredlin Adriaan, The Herald. November 29, 2006.

But yesterday, the fans were focused on one thing – watching South Africa wrap up the series in which they led 2-0 going into the fourth match. About 10 000 fans were there at the start, but it was the Indian supporters who shouted the first roar of approval when Zaheer Khan, in a near-repeat of Sunday‘s match in Cape Town, trapped Smith in front with the third ball of the innings. Smith has now made one run in three matches this series.

Jacques Kallis, however, was in imperious form and lifted the home side with a series of scorching boundaries as the crowd grew to around 15 000 with the work day coming to an end. Vendors did a roaring trade as they fed the hungry throng, while Castle Corner was highly popular as usual with the temperature hovering in the mid-20s.

Click image to enlarge

"South Africa vs India" Picture: Fredlin Adriaan, The Herald. November 29, 2006.

Forming a guard of honour for the players as they walked onto the field were 40 cricketers from the EP Schools cricket programme, who take part in the Baker‘s mini-cricket programme. Many of these young boys are from the tough area of Helenvale, where cricket offers children an alternative to the damaging effect of becoming involved in gangs and drugs.

Click image to enlarge

"South Africa vs India" Picture: Ivor Markman. November 29, 2006.

The Herald - November 30, 2006.