The St. George’s Park Cricket Ground is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in the world. Located in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, St George’s Park Cricket Ground is the first cricket stadium to host a test match outside of England or Australia. In March 1889, the venue hosted its first international match, which was a test match between England and South Africa. South Africa played its first-ever test match here; this stadium has witnessed South Africa’s entire history as a cricketing nation, from the Pre-World War Era to its resurgence in cricket in 1992 after being banned due to color discrimination policy. The Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Stadium is also known for its unique band named St. George’s Brass Band, which was banned from playing inside the stadium since the 2003 World Cup.
An Overview of the St George’s Park Cricket Ground
| Venue Name | St George’s Park Cricket Ground |
| Also Known as | Sahara Oval and Crusaders Ground |
| Opened | 1882 |
| Location | Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa |
| Seating Capacity | 19,000 |
| Pitch Behavior | Assist fast-bowlers |
| Shortest Boundary Distance | 55 meters |
| Longest Boundary Distance | 78 meters |
| Bowling Ends | Duckpond End, Park Drive End |
| Floodlights | Yes |
St George’s Park Cricket Ground Pitch Behaviour
Historically, the pitch at St George’s Park Cricket Ground in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is known for assisting pacers. The surface here traditionally has longer grass helps fast bowlers with seam and swing. The wicket at this venue has a decent amount of bounce helps fast bowlers; however, this bounce allow batters to play big shots as the ball gets old. Spinners generally have a little role to play at St George’s Park Cricket Ground.
Read More: Kingsmead Cricket Stadium Pitch Behavior || Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Behavior
St George’s Park Cricket Ground Records & Stats
So far, Kingsmead Stadium has hosted 79 international cricket matches; the highest individual score at this venue belongs to Herschel Gibbs, who scored 196 runs against India in a test match. George Lohmann of England had the best bowling figures at St. George’s Park, taking eight wickets for just seven runs against South Africa in a test match.
| Total Matches | 79 |
| Average 1st Inning Score | 312 in Tests, 233 in ODIs, 115 in T20Is |
| Highest Total Recorded | 549/7d by Australia vs South Africa in Tests 335/6 by Pakistan vs South Africa in ODIs 180/7 by India vs South Africa in T20Is |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 30 by South Africa vs England in Tests 112 by New Zealand vs Australia in ODIs 58/8 by South Africa vs West Indies in T20Is |
| Highest Score Chased | 271/8 by Australia vs South Africa in Tests 330/7 by Australia vs South Africa in ODIs 154/5 by South Africa vs India in T20Is |
| Highest Individual Score | 196 by Herschel Gibbs for South Africa vs India in Tests 135 by Saleem Elahi for Pakistan vs South Africa in ODIs 70 by Quinton de Cock for South Africa vs Australia in T20Is |
| Best Bowling Performance | 8/7 by George Lohmann for England vs South Africa in Tests 7/20 by Andy Bichel for Australia vs England in ODIs 4/9 by Dale Steyn for South Africa vs West Indies in T20Is |
South Africa Record at St George’s Park Cricket Ground
South Africa has played 72 matches at Gqeberha, winning 39, losing 27, drawing 5, and one without a result.
| Played | 72 |
| Won | 39 |
| Lost | 27 |
| Tied | 0 |
| Draw | 5 |
| No Result | 1 |
South Africa Test Record at St George’s Park Cricket Ground
South Africa has played 32 tests at Port Elizabeth Stadium (Gqeberha), winning 14, losing 13, and 5 ended in draw
| Played | 32 |
| Won | 14 |
| Lost | 13 |
| Tied | 0 |
| Draw | 5 |
| No Result | 0 |
South Africa ODI Record at St George’s Park Cricket Ground
So far, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) hosted 32 ODI matches for South Africa, with 22 victories and 13 defeats; one being unresolved.
| Played | 36 |
| Won | 22 |
| Lost | 13 |
| Tied | 0 |
| Draw | 0 |
| No Result | 1 |
South Africa T20I Record at St George’s Park Cricket Ground
South Africa has won three of the four T20I matches at Gqeberha and lost just one.
| Played | 4 |
| Won | 3 |
| Lost | 1 |
| Tied | 0 |
| Draw | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
Also Read: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium || Dubai International Cricket Stadium
St George’s Park Cricket Ground Photos
St George’s Park Cricket Ground Boundary Length
St George’s Park Cricket Ground’s smallest boundary is just 55 meters, while the longest one is up to 78 meters.
St George’s Park Cricket Ground Capacity
St George’s Park Cricket Ground has a maximum capacity of 19,000 people.
St George’s Park Cricket Ground Map & Location
Park Dr, Gqeberha Central, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa
FAQs
What is the name of the cricket stadium in Gqeberha?
A. The cricket stadium in Gqeberha is known as St George’s Park Cricket Ground. Formerly, it was also known as Port Elizabeth Stadium (due to Gqeberha’s former name Port Elizabeth).
How big is the St. George’s Park Cricket Ground in Gqeberha?
A. The St. George’s Park Cricket Ground in Gqeberha can handle up to 19,000 people at its maximum capacity.
Where is St. George’s Oval cricket ground?
A. The St. George’s Oval cricket ground is located in Gqeberha city (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) of the Eastern Province of South Africa.
Is St. George Park Stadium batting or bowling pitch?
A. The wicket at St. George Park Stadium is a bowling-friendly surface, which assist the fast bowlers most.
