Ground information | |||||
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Location | St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | ||||
Coordinates | 33°57′59.35″S 25°36′35.99″E / 33.9664861°S 25.6099972°ECoordinates: 33°57′59.35″S 25°36′35.99″E / 33.9664861°S 25.6099972°E | ||||
Capacity | 19,000 | ||||
Tenants | South Africa national cricket team | ||||
End names | |||||
Duckpond End Park Drive End |
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International information | |||||
First Test | 12–13 March 1889: South Africa v England |
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Last Test | 26–30 December 2016: South Africa v Sri Lanka |
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First ODI | 9 December 1992: South Africa v India |
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Last ODI | 28 January 2017: South Africa v Sri Lanka |
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First T20I | 16 December 2007: South Africa v West Indies |
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Last T20I | 9 March 2014: South Africa v Australia |
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Team information | |||||
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As of 28 January 2017 Source: ESPNcricinfo |
St George’s Park Cricket Ground (also known as St George's Park,Crusaders Ground or simply Crusaders) is a cricket ground in St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It is the home of the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, one of the oldest cricket clubs in South Africa, and the Eastern Province Club. It is also one of the venues at which Test matches and One Day Internationals are played in South Africa. It is older than Kingswood College in Grahamstown. The ground is notable for its brass band that plays during major matches, adding a unique flavor to its atmosphere.
The ground hosted its first Test match in March 1889 when England defeated South Africa by 8 wickets. This was South Africa’s first Test match. As of 2005[update], there have been 21 Test matches played at the ground of which South Africa has won 8 and their opponents 9 with 4 draws.
The first One Day International played at the ground was in December 1992 when South Africa beat India by 6 wickets. As of 2005[update], there have been 25 One Day Internationals played at the ground including five in the Cricket World Cup in 2003.
The ground's official name is "Axxess DSL St Georges" acknowledging a commercial sponsorship arrangement. However South African and other cricket fans continue to call the ground by its historic name, just "St George’s Park". It's nickname is "The Dragon's Lair" based on the famous legend of St George.
St George's Park was one of 15 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya selected to host matches during the world cup. It hosted 5 matches during the tournament, including 3 group games, 1 super six game and a semi-final.