St George's Park        

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Records and statistics

Profile

Port Elizabeth's St George's Park staged the first Test to be played outside England or Australia in 1888-89 (England winning by eight wickets) and in 1969-70 hosted the final Test before South Africa's 21-year isolation.

It also staged South Africa's first rugby international, also against England, in 1891. In 1896 it witnessed one of Test cricket's most remarkable games. England's George Lohmann took 7 for 38 in South Africa's first innings and then 8 for 7 in their second as they were bowled out for 30.

Situated within sight of the ocean, the ground became famous for the enthusiastic band that plays during Tests. But ahead of the 2003 World Cup they were banned from playing inside the ground, amid safety concerns, and have only made sporadic appearances since.

The ground has brought mixed fortunes for the South African side. In 1992 they secured a superb win by 9 wickets, Allan Donald claimed 12 for 139, on a pitch that many had said favoured spin bowling and was a fast bowler's nightmare. But in 1997 they lost to Australia by two wickets, after leading by 101 runs on the first innings, as Mark Waugh played one his most valuable Test innings.

Located near the city centre, St George's Park is easily accessible by public transport, car or on foot, and, as with other South African grounds is still a blend of open space and covered seating.

Cricinfo staff (May 2005)

Fixtures

2014
Thu Mar 13 - Sun Mar 16 10:00 local | 08:00 GMT 04:00 EDT | 03:00 CDT | 01:00 PDT	Sunfoil Series Warriors v Lions
Thu Mar 27 - Sat Mar 29 10:00 local | 08:00 GMT 04:00 EDT | 03:00 CDT | 01:00 PDT	CSA Provincial Three-Day Competition Eastern Province v Western Province
Sun Mar 30 (20 ovs) 11:00 local | 09:00 GMT 05:00 EDT | 04:00 CDT | 02:00 PDT	CSA Provincial T20 Challenge Coastal Pool - Eastern Province v Western Province
Fri Dec 26 - Tue Dec 30 10:30 local | 08:30 GMT 03:30 EST | 02:30 CST | 00:30 PST	2nd Test - South Africa v West Indies
2015
Sun Jan 25 (50 ovs) 10:00 local | 08:00 GMT 03:00 EST | 02:00 CST | 00:00 PST	4th ODI - South Africa v West Indies
- Day and Night - International Matches - Covered by Cricinfo
No responsibility is taken by Cricinfo for the accuracy of this information.

Latest Articles

• Port Elizabeth set for Boxing Day Test (Feb 23, 2014)
• Elgar makes the leap with maiden Test hundred (Jan 12, 2013)
• Port Elizabeth welcomes Test cricket after six years (Jan 9, 2013)
• Which is the best ground to watch cricket in? (Dec 17, 2012)
• Sorry cricket, it's the football World Cup (Jun 27, 2010)

Latest Photos

Feb 18, 2014

Adrian Carter, the groundsman, says the pitch at St. George's Park currently looks "very furry" and "green"
© ESPNcricinfo Ltd

May 18, 2005

General view, St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
© Getty Images

Dec 19, 2004

A view of St George's Park
© Getty Images

Dec 19, 2004

A camera's-eye view of St George's Park
© Getty Images