Bloemfontein added to Test list (7 February 1999)

7 February 1999

Bloemfontein added to Test list

Trevor Chesterfield

CENTURION (South Africa) - Another busy season has been lined up for South Africa with at least 10 tests in their millennium summer programme. This now includes a series against Zimbabwe, added to their crowded programme and Springbok Park, in Bloemfontein, added to the growing lists of test venues in South Africa.

Two tests against South Africa's northern neighbours were confirmed yesterday with the games split between Bloemfontein, from October 29 to November 2 and Harare from November 11 to 15, after which is a five-match series against England followed by the tour of India, during which a minimum of three tests could be played.

South Africa have played only one test against Zimbabwe and that was in the 1995/96 season with the game being played in Harare.

Springbok Park, first used as provincial venue in 1988 has hosted several limited overs matches and as Free State headquarters has also seen several limited-overs finals. Initially a smaller version of SuperSport Centurion, a western grandstand was added in the early 1990s but was full, for the first time last Friday for sixth limited-overs international against the West Indies. Surprisingly the ground had only 13 000 during a rugby final held in the Free State capital several seasons ago.

Elevation to test status is no doubt due to several factors, apart from being the ground where South Africa's captain Hansie Cronje, as well as the leading fast bowler have their home base, the Free State's vigorous youth and development programme is seen another factor for the reward for hard work and of which Victor Mpitsang has become an important member.

If the test is well supported, Bloemfontein could, in future, alternate with Port Elizabeth as the fifth venue in a five-match series.

Source :: Trevor Chesterfield, Pretoria News