Kingsmead is a 25,000-seater stadium located within
walking distance of Durban’s famed Indian
Ocean shoreline. It hosted its first one-day international
in December 1992, but its first Test was hosted in
January 1923.
Kingsmead was also home to the famous "Timeless
Test" played in 1939 between England and South
Africa. The match lasted from the third to the thirteenth
of March, but was eventually declared a draw amid
concerns that the English team would miss its ship
home!
The ground was a semi-final venue during the 2003
Cricket World Cup. Interestingly, it is widely believed
that the changing tides of the nearby ocean helps
swing bowlers move the ball nicely through the air.
The venue of the Timeless Test in
1939 (which only ended after 10 days because England had to catch a ship home), Kingsmead has witnessed
some of South African cricket’s finest moments.
Kingsmead staged its first Test match in 1923.
Since
the 1980’s, the ground has been extensively
redeveloped with new stands at the Umgeni and Old
Fort Road ends, but the old main grandstand remains
as a reminder of past glories.
The pitch is laid
slightly below sea level and local folklore maintains
that when the tide comes in in the late afternoon,
the water table rises, offering unexpected movement
to seam bowlers.
