Lagatar24 Desk
Johannesburg, Dec 22: The opening ball of the second Test between India and South Africa will be bowled on January 3. Ironically, 30 years previously, the first home post-isolation Test Match was held at the same stadium, against the same opponents.
“Part of the celebration and recognition of the most memorable moments and persons in the 30-year history of the stadium is the celebration and recognition of the most iconic moments and personalities in the 30-year history of the stadium,” according to a statement from Cricket South Africa (CSA).
The stadium will showcase the top 100-player Hall of Fame (domestic, overseas, women, and men) who have graced the iconic wicket since the ICC unbanning. Off-the-field superstars who have made important contributions to the development of the stadium and cricket in the province will also be honored.
The Kings, Queens, Dignitaries, and Iconic Entertainment Legends will be honored on the Walk of Fame. Iconic moments will also be recognized – 2003 Cricket World Cup, 2009 IPL, FIFA 2010 Goodwill match, 2015 Greatest ODI ever and more.
A multi-pronged campaign, including a socio-economic development programme, would be launched to welcome people from all walks of life to the stadium.
When the Indian cricket team toured South Africa for four Tests and seven One-Day Internationals from October 29, 1992 to January 6, 1993, Test number 1201 took place at the Wanderers Stadium from November 26 to 30, 1992. South Africa, captained by Kepler Wessels, won the four-match series 1-0, with Allan Donald awarded player of the series.
Notably, the 66-year-old stadium, which opened on September 22, 1956, hosted its first international Test match in 1956, which England won by 131 runs. Several international matches were held in the arena, including the memorable 1966/67 Australian trip, in which Graeme Pollock scored 274 points. In 1970, South Africa defeated Australia by 307 runs in the penultimate Test before being banned from international cricket.
Following the ICC’s unbanning, the stadium has staged a number of memorable occurrences, including Mike Atherton’s over 10-hour batting effort to rescue the Test against England in 1995. It also hosted the 2003 World Cup Final, which saw Australia win the tournament. Then there was the greatest One Day International match of all time, which took place in 2006 versus Australia.
In addition to cricket, the stadium has received a number of Kings, Queens, Statesmen, World Leaders, Captains of Industries, Mega Music Stars, and fans, as well as hosting a number of sporting events, like the Davis Cup and the FIFA 2010 Goodwill Cup, to name a few.
