South African Cricket venues - Dream Fields - Opinion
South Africa is correctly called the ‘Rainbow Nation’, which contains a wealth of diversity in terms of culture, traditions and norms. The country is a potpourri of almost all of the world’s races, which are intertwined in a massive landmass. With a picturesque
landscape, amiable beaches and a delightful Mediterranean climate in many of its major cities, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 boasts some of the finest cricket grounds in the world today. This is in spite of the fact that the state of the economy has had an adverse impact on
the facilities at most major sports venues.
One can think of beautiful Newlands in Cape Town, where Table Mountain provides an ideal backdrop that can prompt spectators to become mesmerized by the scenes that surround them. Newlands is considered to be one of the lushest green and picturesque grounds
in the world, and stands alongside the likes of the Lord's Cricket Ground and the Adelaide Oval in Australia. The grass banks and towering stands of the ground go hand in hand with the quality of the outfield, which is on par with any ground in the world.
Similarly, St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth has its own distinct aura which is in stark contrast to Newlands. It’s close proximity to the sea, with the Old Dutch styled pavilions providing an ideal setting to a quick, yet largely unpredictable pitch, making
it equally precious.
The grounds in South Africa tend to boast the same sort of diversity as the people of the country. The pitch conditions and overhead surroundings tend to differ from city to city. The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bull-c48831 Ring (which is also known as the Bidvest Wanderers) for example,
with its intimidating atmosphere, is a treat for those who have an acute aesthetic sense. Johannesburg’s lightning quick outfield along with its magnificent ends such as the Corlett Drive End, was the venue for the greatest ODI game that was ever played, when
the home side chased down 438 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in 2006. The grass embankments and the amazing glass tunnel, through which the players embrace the field, has made it a playing field that opposition players feel overwhelmed by, whenever they arrive for a bilateral
tour or a global tournament.
At the same time, there are other venues in the country which have a distinct character. Durban’s eastern location has given it a tropical flavor and Kingsmead’s bouncy wicket with the sea breeze embracing the ground at night, has made it one of the few
grounds in South Africa which produces prodigious swing off the wicket and in the air.
On the other hand, Goodyear Park in Bloemfontein, and of late, the SuperSport Park in Centurion, have been conducive to spin bowling. Comparatively lesser bounce has given touring sides of the subcontinent plenty of purchase and they are made to feel at
home whenever they encounter the Proteas in those conditions. The Super Sport Park is considered by many opposition captains to have the best playing facilities in the world. Its drainage system is one of the best in the country and the lightning quick outfield
with the grass embankments has made it a venue that is worth all the envy and praise.
South Africa has hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup and the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 Champions Trophy of 2009 so far. Both tournaments were massive box office hits and the 2003 version of the global tournament, highlighted a spectacular dimension to sport in Africa. In a country
with amazing contrasts, it seems fitting that its venues are ‘dream fields’ in their true essence.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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