Nelson Mandela Bay Scores Cricket Fixtures

Nelson Mandela Bay is alive with cricket fever after it was revealed that Axxess St Georges Park will regain the Boxing Day Test in 2014. Graeme Smith shared the news at the post match presentation following The Proteas victory against Australia in Port Elizabeth.

The Boxing Day Test will be the first for Axxess St Georges since 2007 when it hosted West Indies in a match that the visitors won. The West Indies will play three tests, two T20’s, and five one day internationals against the Proteas on their scheduled tour during December and January. Cricket South Africa have confirmed the first test is to take place at Centurion from December 17 – 21, Port Elizabeth will host the second test from December 26 – 30 and Cape Town the third test from the 2nd January.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms M Skefile says, “Cricket adds great value to Nelson Mandela Bay in terms of entertainment, sports development and not to mention the rich history of the sport and venue of St Georges Park. Preserving current fixtures and securing future games can benefit the city in terms of tourism value of foot traffic and expenditure as well as international media exposure.”

“Cricket linkages to Nelson Mandela Bay are many and these momentous occasions to showcase great cricket events such the test series between Australia and the Proteas which are paramount to the legacy and future of the sport in the city need to continue,” said Ms Skefile

St George's has also been home to some world-class cricketers such as the popular Makhaya Ntini who is a past Protea and the Pollock brothers, Peter and Graeme. Graeme Pollock has been voted South Africa’s cricketer of the 20th century. Port Elizabeth will always have special linkages to the Proteas as the city hosted South Africa’s first ever test match in 1888-89 at the then St Georges Park.

The Castle Lager Proteas formed part of the Nelson Mandela’s Bay’s centenary celebrations when they took on Australia in the second Sunfoil Test at Axxess St Georges Park from the 20th -24th February. The awesome comeback of the Protea team showcased the ability of Nelson Mandela Bay to host world class matches while 25 800 cricket lovers attended the action over the 4 days.

“Cricket South Africa is grateful for the initiative shown by the Nelson Mandela Bay in galvanizing the support of the city to get behind the Number One Test Team in the world,” commented CSA CE, Haroon Lorgat.

"The Christmas Test is a premier fixture on our cricketing calendar and I hope the fans in Port Elizabeth will come out in their numbers to support the Proteas," Haroon Lorgat, the CSA chief, said. "This is always a fixture that the players look forward to and I'm sure the PE fans will make it a special and jovial occasion when it returns this summer against the West Indies."

As part of the Centenary Celebration, since Nelson Mandela Bay has been declared a city, NMB is being requested to “Get Behind the Proteas”.  This should not be a difficult task as it is world renowned that Axxess St Georges Park despite the size has one of the most electrifying atmospheres due to the band. The brass band which occupies a section of the Grandstand entertains throughout the match, bringing crowds to their feet and energizing the Protea players to magical wins.

“The sustainability of cricket matches being hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay however depends on the citizens and spectators.” expressed Ms Skefile, NMBT CEO. She adds, “For example the annual boxing day test series which did not have a home has now been awarded to NMB after much lobbying and loyal support from fans. We need to ensure that the city retains these allocated fixtures by providing warm welcomes and filling the stadium to capacity.”

The fierce rivalry as South Africa take on Australia in the 1st T20 International Cricket match at Axxess St George's Park takes place on the 9th March 2014, game starts at 14H30. For more information on upcoming cricket fixtures and other events visit www.nmbt.co.za