Cape Town. – The record for attendance of a test at PPC Newlands is under threat, as the third test between South Africa and England is set to lure more than the 80 000 that went through the turnstiles in the millennium international between the Proteas and the visitors from the United Kingdom.
But die-hard fans should not abandon hope, as temporary stands that will accommodate 2000 additional spectators for each day of the test in the Mother City from 2nd to 6th January, will be available for the contest.
“Tickets will go on sale from 7th December and will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis from PPC Newlands Cricket Ground ONLY,” said Nabeal Dien, Chief Executive Officer of the Western Province Cricket Association. The ticket offices will open at 09:00.
South Africa is currently at the summit of the international test rankings, while England produced a stunning series of performances against Australia and coasted to their fourth consecutive Ashes-series victory on home soil in 2015.
“In the series in 2000, we had a record crowd at Newlands when England visited us, but right now, we might just improve on that attendance figures of 80 000. The first two days of the test at PPC Newlands is sold out, and the third day almost at the same stage. That is why we pursued the temporary stands as a means to provide fans of both teams the opportunity to attend,” Dien said.
Altaaf Kazi, head of media and communication at Cricket South Africa, said 166 141 test tickets have been sold at present, while 35 887 fans have confirmed their attendance for the KFC T20-series and 24081 Momentum One Day International tickets were purchased in the highly anticipated clashes between two of the world’s heavyweights.
The first of four tests will be played at Kingsmead. Five One Day International- and two T20-clashes are also scheduled.
South Africa has won 11 of their last 16 tests at PPC Newlands, an indication that this iconic international venue has become a fortress for the hosts.
Jacques Kallis has been the most prolific with the blade in white uniform, blasting 2181 runs at an average of 72.70, while Dale Steyn has nipped out 65 batsmen in 13 tests.
