Kingsmead Durban profiled as South Africa's iconic Boxing Day Test venue

Kingsmead, Durban

Kingsmead is a well renowned cricket stadium in Durban, South Africa. The 25,000-seater ground sits within walking distance of Durban's famed Indian Ocean shoreline and is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the country.

The venue was formerly known as the Sahara Stadium Kingsmead and has two ends named Umgeni and Old Fort Road Ends. It hosted its first Test in January 1923 and its first One-Day International in December 1992.

History and landmarks

Kingsmead is best known as the regular host of South Africa's Boxing Day Test when a Test series is on in the country. It was also home to the famous "Timeless Test" played in 1939 between England and South Africa. The match lasted from the third to the thirteenth of March, but was eventually declared a draw amid concerns that the English team would miss its ship home.

The ground was a semi-final venue during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Playing conditions

Interestingly, it is widely believed that the changing tides of the nearby ocean helps swing bowlers move the ball nicely through the air, giving Kingsmead a distinctive character for seam and swing bowling.