South African cricket history facts you should know

• South Africa is one of the oldest cricketing nations in the world. 
• The South Africa national cricket team has a rich history, having won the ICC Champions Trophy in 1998. 
• Sir Donald Curries, a Scottish man, was the one who took the first steps toward making South Africa a serious cricketing nation. 

Despite cricket being less popular in Africa, many aspects of South African cricket history are well-known by fans worldwide. 

South Africa is one of the oldest cricketing nations in the world. It is a member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), with T201, ODI and Test status.

South Africa cricket team. Photo/ CricketAddictor.

The South Africa national cricket team represents the nation in international tournaments. South Africa entered first-class and international cricket when they hosted an England cricket team during the 1888-89 season. 

Cricket has since developed in South Africa over the years, and the nation currently boasts a rich cricketing history. South Africa won the ICC Champions Trophy in 1998 and gold at the Commonwealth Games in the same year. 

Here, we will discuss five South African cricket history facts every fan of the beautiful game should know. 

1. Sir Donald Currie established cricket in South Africa

One interesting fact about South Africa cricket history is that a Scottish man, Sir Donald Currie, was the one who took the first steps toward making South Africa a serious cricketing nation. 

Sir Donald Curries was a sea merchant who used to run shipping lines in South Africa. After establishing cricket in South Africa, Sir Donald sponsored the county’s first-class tournament in 1888. The tournament was known as the Currie Cup for a long time. 

The Scottish man also funded the journey of the England cricket team to South Africa, and that helped the country become the third nation in international cricket. 

And for that reason, Sir Donald Curries always gets a mention when South Africa cricket history is the topic of discussion. 

2. South Africa Was The First Team To Have A Spin Quartet 

South African bowling attack is widely known for pace, aggression and bounce. But that was not the original trend of the South Africa national cricket team. 

During South Africa’s early years, the nation was known for having four spin bowlers. Reggie Schwarz led the pack that also included the legendary all-rounder Aubrey Faulkner, Bert Volger and Gordon White (batsman). 

Those four players made a name for themselves in the cricket world during their playing days. 

3. South Africa Has One Of The Worst Records In Test History 

Cricket teams first struggle in their early days before finding their foot in Test. We have seen that happen with teams such as Pakistan and India. 

However, no team has a poor record in Test like South Africa when they were starting out. During their first eleven Test matches, the South Africa national cricket team lost ten out of their first eleven games. 

But since South Africa is currently one of the best cricket teams in the world, its bad record in Test during the early days often goes unnoticed. 

4. South Africa Dominated Australia Sometime Back

South Africa have been among the best cricket teams in the world in recent years. They have managed to defeat all the big teams since they made a return to the international scene. 

However, they have not been successful when facing Australia at home in the Test series. The Aussies have completely dominated them at home, which is one of the most beguiling records in cricket history. 

But before South Africa’s ban from international cricket, South Africa had dominated Australia at home. During the 1969-70 series, the Proteas thrashed the Aussies 4-0 in a four-test series. They had also beaten them 3-1 in a five-test series three years back. 

5. St. George’s Park Stadium Is The Oldest Cricket Ground In South Africa

Well, many people do not know the oldest cricket ground in South Africa. Some people often mistake The Old Wanderers Stadium as the oldest, whereas others think Imperial Wanderers Stadium is the oldest. 

However, St. George’s Park Stadium in Port Elizabeth is the oldest cricket ground in South Africa. The stadium held the two-day match between South Africa and England, which the visitors won by eight wickets.

St. George’s Park Stadium. Photo/ ESPNcrickinfo.