 The African Safari !
THE AFRICAN SAFARI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HISTORY 1991-92 in India Nearly 22 years after being isolated from the international fold due to apartheid, South Africa arrived in India for a three-match one-day series. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Calcutta to greet the team and Eden Gardens - which hosted the first match - reportedly exceeded its capacity. India prevailed in a low-scoring game, but significantly for South Africa, it was their discovery of a world-class fast bowler in Allan Donald who took 5 for 29. India won the next game at Gwalior, and with it, the series. South Africa earned a consolation win in the final match in New Delhi, as Kepler Wessels and Peter Kirsten guided the side home in a high-scoring encounter under lights. Even in defeat, the South Africans returned home with indelible memories over the response from the Indian public, and an emotional captain Clive Rice was quoted in Wisden as saying, "I know how Neil Armstrong felt when he stood on the moon." India 2 South Africa 1 1992-93 in South Africa India had the privilege of being the first international side to play a Test in South Africa since 1970 and the series got off to a cracking start in Durban, when Kapil Dev dismissed Jimmy Cook from the first ball. Praveen Amre's dogged century on debut on a bouncy track, kept India afloat in a drawn match. The start of the second Test at Johannesburg followed a similar script, and it was Brian McMillan's sound allround performance which helped his side hold the upper hand in another draw. The third Test at Port Elizabeth finally yielded a result, as India were blown away by Allan Donald, who finished with match figures of 12 for 139. The only bright spark for India was Kapil's scintillating knock of 129 amidst the ruins. Both teams went on the defensive in the fourth and final Test in Cape Town which was also drawn. Batsmen from both sides showed no urgency and India's sloppy catching wrecked their hopes of squaring the series. The seven-match one-day series was hardly a contest, as the Indians were outclassed in all departments, save for two victories. Tests South Africa 1 India 0
ODIs South Africa 5 India 2 1996-97 in India A strong South African side led by Hansie Cronje arrived in India for their first full Test tour. The tour began with a tri-series also featuring Australia, as South Africa - after winning all their league games - choked in the final against India. The pitch for the first Test at Ahmedabad came under intense scrutiny, as the batsmen succumbed to the inconsistent bounce. South Africa fancied their chances with a target of 170, but weren't prepared for Javagal Srinath, who gnawed through the batting with 6 for 21 to seal a surprise win. The second Test at Calcutta witnessed a strong comeback by South Africa, though it was an unforgettable game for individual performances - Azharuddin's blistering century off 74 balls, Lance Klusener's dream debut with innings figures of 8 for 64, and Gary Kirsten's twin centuries. The teams then headed to Kanpur for the decider and South Africa were exposed in a Kanpur pitch where the ball barely rose above the knee level. Azharuddin's piled on the agony with 163 to set South Africa an improbable target. The win was a fitting end to the home season for India and was a rosy start for Tendulkar as captain. Tests India 2 South Africa 1 1996-97 in South Africa Flying stumps and chin music greeted the Indians in the first Test of the return series in Durban, as South Africa earned sweet revenge for their loss in India, bundling out India for 100 and 66 in either innings. The lack of exposure to fierce pace and bounce was evident as India - both innings combined - failed to last an entire length of a day's play (72.3 overs). In Cape Town, the gulf between the two sides widened as South Africa piled on three centuries in their first innings. With half the side back in the pavilion and a massive deficit of 471, Sachin Tendulkar (116) and Mohammad Azharuddin (105) displayed one of the more remarkable rearguard actions seen in Test cricket, both flaying the bowlers at will, at a frenetic pace. Unfortunately, it was a case of 'good while it lasted' as India folded up in the second innings to concede the series. Bad light dashed India's hopes of winning the Johannesburg Test, which marked the emergence of Rahul Dravid as a world-class Test batsman. In the one-dayers, South Africa took the tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe, beating India in a closely-contested final. Tests South Africa 2 India 0 1999-00 in India Wounded after an embarrassing 0-3 whitewash in Australia, India - in a vulnerable state - were caught off guard by South Africa in home conditions. Failure of the Indian top order was one of the main reasons, especially in the first Test in Mumbai, barring Sachin Tendulkar. South Africa made heavy weather of a modest target, rescued by Mark Boucher's crucial 27. South Africa rubbed it in further in the second Test in Bangalore, batting India out of the match and their 0-2 defeat ended one of their most miserable seasons. Importantly, South Africa's series victory ended a 13-year jinx by visiting teams in India. Tendulkar quit the captaincy, and India rebounded in the one-dayers, under Sourav Ganguly. The final ODI in Nagpur was famous for the match-fixing allegations against Hansie Cronje, Nicky Boje and Henry Williams, which came to light shortly after the tour. Tests South Africa 2 India 0
ODIs India 3 South Africa 2 2001-02 in South Africa Another tour tarnished by controversy, this time the 'Mike Denness affair' taking centre stage. The first Test at Bloemfontein went without incident, notable for Virender Sehwag's debut century, as South Africa romped to an easy win. The second at Port Elizabeth was overshadowed by match referee Denness's ruling, in which he found Sachin Tendulkar guilty of ball-tampering and handed out one-Test bans for five other Indians for excessive appealing. The Indian board protested, stating that there may have been racial connotations in the ruling and after much pleading agreed to play the third Test. India drew the second match, lost the third by an innings, though the match was unofficial. South Africa won the Standard Bank tri-series also featuring Kenya. Tests South Africa 1 India 0 2004-05 in India South Africa's third Test tour of India was almost a non-starter, as South Africa threatened to pull out if they failed to get any assurances that Herschelle Gibbs and Nicky Boje will not be prosecuted by the Indian police in the match-fixing scandal. However, both players pulled out and the tour went ahead as scheduled. India were expected to wrap up the series comprehensively, against a South African side struggling for form, but things didn't quite go to plan at the start. The first Test at Kanpur was played on a featherbed of a pitch, with Andrew Hall frustrating India no end with an obdurate 163. After a dull draw, a relieved India took the second Test and the series in Kolkata, with the old firm of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh sharing all ten second innings wickets. Scheduling problems meant that the one-dayers had to be played at a later date. Tests India 1 South Africa 0 2005-06 in India A year later, South Africa returned for a five-match one-day series to fulfil their obligations from the previous visit. One couldn't have asked for a better contest, with South Africa undefeated in 19 matches, and a resurgent India with a 6-1 victory against Sri Lanka behind them. South Africa drew first blood in Hyderabad, as India - barring Yuvraj Singh who scored an incredible century - stumbled on a seaming pitch. The pitch dictated the result of the second match as India pulled things back comprehensively on a slow turner in Bangalore. Seasonal rain in Chennai washed out an eagerly-awaited contest. Protests in Kolkata following Sourav Ganguly's exclusion and Greg Chappell's alleged 'finger gesture' to the protestors took the sheen out of the fourth one-dayer, and Graeme Smith helped South Africa blaze to a ten-wicket win on another seaming track. With only two possible outcomes, India squared the series in the fifth match in Mumbai, as Dravid steered India home in a pulsating contest between bat and ball. ODIs India 2 South Africa 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trivia In 16 ODIs against the Proteas in South Africa, the Men in Blue have won just three. In 9 Tests, they’ve never come out on top.
India had the privilege of being the first international side since 1970 to play a Test in South Africa during 1992-93 and the series got off to a cracking start in Durban, when Kapil Dev dismissed Jimmy Cook from the first ball itself.
The final ODI in Nagpur during South Africa’s tour of 1999-00 was famous for the match-fixing allegations against Hansie Cronje, Nicky Boje and Henry Williams, which came to light shortly after the tour.
In 2001-02, the first Test at Bloemfontein went without incident, notable for Virender Sehwag's debut century, as South Africa romped to an easy win.
In 2001-02, the second Test at Port Elizabeth was overshadowed by match referee Denness's ruling, in which he found Sachin Tendulkar guilty of ball-tampering and handed out one-Test ban.
India won its first Test against South Africa on 20th November 1996, in which VVS Laxman was the highest scorer with 51 runs.
Sachin Tendulkar has made 35 centuries in Test cricket and Jacques Kallis of South Africa has made 24.
Sourav Ganguly had made highest individual score (127) against Proteas in South Africa and unbeaten 133 by G Kirsten, both scored their century in the same match on October 5, 2001.
Highest partnership by an Indian batsman against South Africa is 193 by Saurav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. South Africa's H Gibbs & G Kirsten made 235.
Gary Kirsten has made 1,377 runs against India in 26 matches and Sachin Tendulkar has 1,362 runs in 45 matches against South Africa.
Allan Donald has grabbed 46 wickets in 26 matches while Anil Kumble has grabbed 44 wickets in 37 matches.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VENUES New Wanderers Stadium  Situation : Johannesburg, South Africa
Capacity : 27,000
Matches can be played : Day
End Name : Corlett Drive End, Golf Course End
First Test : South Africa vs England - Dec 24-29, 1956
First ODI : South Africa vs India - Dec 13, 1992
Matches Played
Test : 28
ODI : 27
World Cup : 5
Test Highest : 652 / 7 (1st inning) by Australia vs South Africa, 2002
Test Lowest : 72 / 10 (2nd inning) by South Africa vs England, 1956
ODI Highest : 438 / 9 by South Africa vs Australia, 2006
ODI Lowest : 109 / 10 by Sri Lanka vs India, 2003
It was the third Test ground in Johannesburg following the Old Wanderers Stadium and Ellis Park. For more than 74 years, it has provided the focal point of Johannesburg's sporting aspirations, whether they be cricket or golf - which between them dominate the district of Illovo, where the club is based - or tennis, squash and bowls, which can also be found tucked away in the back streets.
In October 2003 the clubhouse itself was entirely gutted by a fire, which began in the kitchens and spread through the ventilation ducts, leaving little that could rescue three-quarters of a century of tradition. Among the trophies, photographs and cricketana lost forever was the bat with which Graeme Pollock scored 274 against Australia in 1966-67. The first Test at the ground was in 1956 when England won by 131 runs and it has gone on to witness numerous memorable moments.
In 2003 it hosted the World Cup final, as Australia waltzed to victory over India, and in March 2006, it was the scene of the most extraordinary one-day match in history, when South Africa successfully chased Australia's world-record total of 434 for 4. Newlands, Cape Town 
Capacity: 25000
Matches can’t be played: Day & Night
End Name: Wynberg End, Kelvin Grove End
First Test: South Africa vs England - Mar 25-26, 1889
First ODI: South Africa vs India - Dec 7, 1992
Matches Played
Test : 41
ODI : 28
World Cup : 5
Test Highest: 620 / 7 (1st inning) by South Africa vs Pakistan, 2003
Test Lowest: 35 / 10 (2nd inning) by South Africa vs England, 1899
ODI Highest: 354 / 3 by South Africa vs Kenya, 2001
ODI Lowest: 43 / 10 by Pakistan vs West Indies, 1993
Newlands, home of Western Province Cricket, has been described by many, together with the Adelaide Oval in Australia, as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the World. Nestled behind and at the foot of Table Mountain it is one of the most picturesque places in the world to watch cricket.
Over the past five years numerous changes have been made to the ground. This has slightly taken away from its former splendor. Large portions of the grass embankments have been replaced by pavilions increasing the seating capacity to 25,000.
Newlands is also favoured with a Mediterranean winter rainfall climate allowing for perfect weather to watch and play cricket in. Indies, umpire Joshi removed the bails with 90 seconds left on the clock and India six short of a maiden Test win. SuperSport Park 
Capacity: 20,000
Matches can’t be played: Day & Night
End Name: Pavilion End, Hennops River End
First Test: South Africa vs England - Nov 16-20, 1995
First ODI: South Africa vs India - Dec 11, 1992
Matches Played
Test : 11
ODI : 25
World Cup : 5
Test Highest: 604 / 6 (1st inning) by South Africa vs West Indies, 2004
Test Lowest: 119 / 10 (1st inning) by Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2001
ODI Highest: 324 / 4 by South Africa vs New Zealand, 2000
ODI Lowest: 125 / 10 by India vs Australia, 2003
Originally named Centurion Park, SuperSport Park, the home of Northerns (Northern Transvaal), is in easy access of Johannesburg, Midrand and Pretoria.
One of the newer stadiums and Test venues in South Africa it has been described by various International Captains as "One of the grounds with the best players' facilities in the world". The stadium's appeal is the grass embankments which make up a large part of the seating area, ideal for good family cricket watching.
Beach Cabana type hospitality chalets have been erected high on the grass banks for added corporate viewing pleasure. A pavilion at the north end of the ground completes the 22,000 spectator capacity.
Known for being one of the quicker pitches in South Africa, it also gives plenty of opportunity to batsmen, with the ball generally coming onto the bat. It has never been seen as a spinners paradise. The outfield is level, lush and fast with a drainage system on par with any in the world. Kingsmead, Durban 
Capacity: 25000
Matches can be played: Day & Night
End Name: Umgeni End, Old Fort Road End
First Test: South Africa vs England - Jan 18-22, 1923
First ODI: South Africa vs India - Dec 17, 1992
Matches Played
Test : 33
ODI : 30
World Cup : 5
Test Highest: 658 / 9 (1st inning) by South Africa vs West Indies, 2003
Test Lowest: 66 / 10 (2nd inning) by India vs South Africa, 1996
ODI Highest: 329 / 6 by South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2005
ODI Lowest: 106 / 10 by Africa XI vs ASIA XI, 2005
Kingsmead is located in humid Durban, home to sandy beaches and surfing. The ground has played host to tests since January 1923 when England and South Africa played to out a draw. In 1939 England and South Africa played a timeless Test, which also ended in a draw when England had to catch the boat home.
Highlights in the history of Kingsmead include South Africa's innings and 129-run demolition of Australia, in February 1970, when Graeme Pollock and Barry Richards, thrashed the Australian bowling to all parts of the ground as they scored 274 and 140 respectively.
Kingsmead's easterly location - but within the same timezone as the rest of South Africa - means it is prone to bad light and the humid climate can result in powerful thunderstorms. The ground still incorporates traditional grass banks, as well as towering modern stands. Being in the centre of Durban makes it easily accessible by public transport, or on foot, but parking is limited. St George's Park 
Capacity: 19,000
Matches can be played: Day
End Name: Duckpond End, Park Drive End
First Test: South Africa vs England - Mar 12-13, 1889
First ODI: South Africa vs India - Dec 9, 1992
Matches Played
Test : 21
ODI : 26
World Cup : 5
Test Highest: 549 / 7 (1st inning) by Australia vs South Africa, 1950
Test Lowest: 30 / 10 (2nd inning) by South Africa vs England, 1896
ODI Highest: 335 / 6 by Pakistan vs South Africa, 2002
ODI Lowest: 112 / 10 by New Zealand vs Australia, 2003
Port Elizabeth's St George's Park staged the first Test to be played outside England or Australia in 1888-89 (England winning by eight wickets) and in 1969-70 hosted the final Test before South Africa's 21-year isolation.
Situated within sight of the ocean, the ground became famous for the enthusiastic band that plays during Tests. But ahead of the 2003 World Cup they were banned from playing inside the ground, amid safety concerns, and have only made sporadic appearances since.
The ground has brought mixed fortunes for the South African side. In 1992 they secured a superb win by 9 wickets, Allan Donald claimed 12 for 139, on a pitch that many had said favoured spin bowling and was a fast bowler's nightmare. But in 1997 they lost to Australia by two wickets, after leading by 101 runs on the first innings, as Mark Waugh played one his most valuable Test innings.
Located near the city centre, St George's Park is easily accessible by public transport, car or on foot, and, as with other South African grounds is still a blend of open space and covered seating.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SQUADS India One-Day Squad 01. R Dravid (captain)
02. AB Agarkar
03. MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)
04. Harbhajan Singh
05. W Jaffer
06. M Kaif
07. Z Khan
08. A Kumble
09. D Mongia
10. MM Patel
11. IK Pathan
12. SK Raina
13. V Sehwag
14. S Sreesanth
15. SR Tendulkar
KD Karthik (standby player) South Africa ODI Squad 01. GC Smith (captain)
02. JH Kallis (vice-captain)
03. LL Bosman
04. MV Boucher (wicketkeeper)
05. AB de Villiers
06. HH Dippenaar
07. HH Gibbs
08. AJ Hall
09. JM Kemp
10. CK Langeveldt
11. A Nel
12. M Ntini
13. RJ Peterson
14. SM Pollock
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIXTURES Rest of South Africa v India ( D/N )
Date : Nov 16 , THU
Venue : Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Result : Rest of South Africa won by 37 runs
Summary : Rest of South Africa : 255/8 ( 50.0 ) India : 218/10 ( 49.1 )
1st ODI - South Africa v India ( D/N )
Date : Nov 19 , SUN
Venue : New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Result : Match abandoned without a ball bowled
2nd ODI - South Africa v India ( D/N )
Date : Nov 22 , Wed
Venue : Kingsmead, Durban
Result : South africa won by 157 runs
Summary : South africa - 248/8 ( 50 ) India - 91 allout
3rd ODI - South Africa v India
Date : Nov 26 , Sun
Venue : Newlands, Cape Town
4th ODI - South Africa v India ( D/N )
Date : Nov 29 , Wed
Venue : St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
Twenty-Twenty - South Africa v India ( D/N )
Date : Dec 1 , Fri
Venue : New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
5th ODI - South Africa v India
Date : Dec 3 , Sun
Venue : SuperSport Park, Centurion
Practise Match - Rest of South Africa v India
Date : Dec 7 - Dec 10
Venue : Sedgars Park, Potchefstroom
1st Test - South Africa v India
Date : Dec 15 - Dec 19
Venue : New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
2nd Test - South Africa v India
Date : Dec 26 - Dec 30
Venue : Kingsmead, Durban
3rd Test - South Africa v India
Date : Jan 2 - Jan 6
Venue : Newlands, Cape Town
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I Think I have covered up Pretty much everything ! Anyways If u Find any Kinda of Mistake in the Given Data Plz Feel Free to Post it Here ! Comments , suggestions , critics and Reps r welcome  ! Refferences : Cricinfo , Indiatimes ----------------------------------------------
Last edited by Bluffmaster; 23 Nov 06 at 03:56 AM..
|