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South Africa ground profiles - back to home
The Wanderers Stadium
Johannesburg, South Africa
Ground profile
Also or formerly known as Kent Park
End names Corlett Drive End, Golf Course End
Home team(s) Gauteng, Transvaal
Current local time 17:21, Tue Oct 07, 2008 (UTC +0200)
External links Weather
Known as the 'Bullring' because of its intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams the Wanderers has a rich history. It was the third Test ground in Johannesburg following the Old Wanderers Stadium and Ellis Park. For more than 74 years, it has provided the focal point of Johannesburg's sporting aspirations, whether they be cricket or golf - which between them dominate the district of Illovo, where the club is based - or tennis, squash and bowls, which can also be found tucked away in the back streets. In October 2003 the clubhouse itself was entirely gutted by a fire, which began in the kitchens and spread through the ventilation ducts, leaving little that could rescue three-quarters of a century of tradition. Among the trophies, photographs and cricketana lost forever was the bat with which Graeme Pollock scored 274 against Australia in 1966-67. The first Test at the ground was in 1956 when England won by 131 runs and it has gone on to witness numerous memorable moments. These include South Africa's penultimate Test before being banned from international cricket in 1970, when they crushed Australia by 307 runs. Following readmission, the ground became a lasting memory for many England fans when Mike Atherton batted for over 10 hours to save the Test in 1995. In 2003 it hosted the World Cup final, as Australia waltzed to victory over India, and in March 2006, it was the scene of the most extraordinary one-day match in history, when South Africa successfully chased Australia's world-record total of 434 for 4.
Cricinfo staff
Feb 3, 2008 |
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A wide-angle view of The Wanderers
© Cricinfo Ltd |
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Sep 24, 2007 |
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India's fans watch the World Twenty20 final on the big screen
© Getty Images |
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Sep 24, 2007 |
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India and Pakistan line up ahead of the Twenty20 final
© Getty Images |
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