New Wanderers Stadium

To be precise, The Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, is in fact the New Wanderers Stadium. The Old Wanderers (situated nearby) first hosted Test cricket in 1896, when South Africa faced England and George Lohmann claimed 9 for 28 in South Africa's first innings to help England to a convincing innings victory. The New Wanderers, on the other hand, first hosted Test cricket in December 1956, becoming the 41st venue to host an international Test match. The following year Hugh Tayfield registered the best bowling performance by a South African, at this venue, when he picked up 9-113 to help his team to victory over England. Prior to hosting its first one day international, the stadium played host to a rugby international between South Africa and South America in 1980. The first ODI ever played at this venue was between India and South Africa in December 1992. Since then, it has been one of the top venues of international cricket. The stadium hosted preliminary matches and the final of the 2003 World Cup. It is known as 'The Bullring' for its electric, sometimes intimidating atmosphere. High stands surround most of the field, although there is a small grassed area that is very popular with spectators. It is the third stadium in Johannesburg where Test cricket has been played. It has a seating capacity of 34,000, with comfortable stands. The ground is also very well suited for the players with brilliant lighting, quick outfields and a great pitch that favours both batsmen and bowlers in equal measure. This venue has played host to some spectacular moments of cricket history: It was the venue where Australia won their second successive World Cup in 2003. It also hosted the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 where India beat Pakistan in the final. Both tournaments were of very high standard. But perhaps its greatest hour came when South Africa chased down 434 runs against Australia to win a bi-lateral series between the two sides. Unfortunately a devastating fire destroyed much of the pavilion on October 1, 2004 and along with it some priceless items of history; among them was the bat with which Graeme Pollock scored 274 against Australia in 1970. The stadium was renovated later on and continues to play host to several first-class and international matches. The two ends at this venue are the Corlett Drive End and the Golf Course End.