Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has questioned Cricket South Africa’s decision to host the opening Test against Australia in Durban, pointing to the Proteas’ poor record at Kingsmead against the visitors and the lack of spectators at the venue. His criticism followed Australia’s convincing 214-run victory in the series opener.
Faf du Plessis believes the choice of venue deserves scrutiny, particularly given the importance of the three-match series. Australia’s win gave them a 1-0 lead, while the former skipper argued that South Africa could have started the contest at a ground where they traditionally enjoy greater success.
Australia took control of the first Test after winning the toss and batting first at Kingsmead. The visitors were dismissed for 390 in 137.2 overs, with Matt Renshaw producing a superb 190 off 397 deliveries. His innings included 21 fours and a six, helping Australia recover from early setbacks and build a substantial total.
South Africa responded with 284, leaving them 106 runs behind. David Bedingham scored 49, while Aiden Markram contributed 37 in the first innings. Marco Jansen took three wickets for the hosts, but Australia had established an important advantage.
The visitors strengthened their position in the second innings, declaring at 314/6 after 58 overs. Renshaw continued his impressive performance with 82, while Nic Maddinson scored 48 off 38 balls and Pat Cummins made an unbeaten 32. Australia set South Africa a target of 421.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for 206 in 86.5 overs. Markram top-scored with 75, and Bedingham added 46, but Josh Hazlewood’s six-wicket haul dismantled the lower order. Australia secured a 214-run victory, with Renshaw named Player of the Match.
Faf du Plessis questions Cricket South Africa administration after Durban Test loss
Faf du Plessis believes Cricket South Africa should have considered Australia’s historical success at Kingsmead before selecting it for the opening match. The former captain pointed out that the visitors had repeatedly beaten the Proteas at the Durban venue, making it a questionable choice to begin such a significant series there.
“For me, there's a big question mark that I'd like to put to the decision-makers at Cricket South Africa. When you have such a poor record at Kingsmead in Durban, while Australia have an excellent record there — I think they've won their last four consecutive Test matches against us at the venue — why would you start the series there? You're effectively telling the opposition, 'Let's start at a venue where you're most comfortable.'
“If you compare Durban with other venues in South Africa, such as Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Wanderers, South Africa and the Proteas have a much better record at those grounds. So that's my first question,” Faf told Cricinfo.
Secondly, from a crowd perspective, Durban also has the lowest viewership: Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis also raised concerns about attendance, arguing that the turnout did not reflect the significance of Australia’s first Test tour to South Africa since 2018. For Du Plessis, the atmosphere at the ground was another reason to question the decision to stage the opener in Durban.
“Secondly, from a crowd perspective, Durban also has the lowest viewership numbers among South African grounds. There's all this hype and talk ahead of the first Test between South Africa and Australia, an iconic series, with Australia returning for the first time since 2018.
“Yet, there's no crowd. You look at the television and think, 'That's not good, man. I don't want to see that. I want to see a packed stadium watching this big series',” Faf du Plessis added.
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