SA vs AUS: Low spectator turnout in Durban Test prompts 'thorough internal review'

A disappointing spectator turnout during the opening Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead in Durban has prompted the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) to launch an internal review.

Fewer than 20,000 spectators attended the Test, raising eyebrows given that it was South Africa's first home red-ball fixture since winning the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) at Lord's last year. It was also the Proteas' first Test on home soil since January 2025.

The match took place amid anti-immigration protests in the city, resulting in a heavy deployment of police and South African National Defence Force personnel. However, the protests had no direct impact on the fixture. A sharp rise in petrol prices to R29.38 (USD 1.78) per litre on October 7 has also been cited as a possible contributing factor. While KZNCU acknowledged these circumstances, it remains keen to identify ways to attract more cricket fans to the ground in the future.

KZNCU CEO Heinrich Strydom said a Test match of such quality deserved significantly greater support from spectators.

"A Test match of this quality, featuring the Proteas and Australia, deserved greater support in the stands," Strydom said in a statement as reported by Cricinfo.

"While we recognise that supporters face competing demands on their time and finances, we must better understand what influences their decision to attend and what more we can do to make live cricket an attractive and worthwhile experience.

"This is something we will reflect on as a Union, through a thorough internal review, and as a cricket community. We need to listen to our supporters, reconnect with our communities, and continue finding ways to make Test cricket more accessible, engaging, and appealing to families and cricket lovers of all ages."

Meanwhile, Australia secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after defeating the hosts by 214 runs in the opening Test. The second Test is scheduled to begin at St George's Park in Gqeberha on October 18.