The venue of the Timeless Test in 1939 (which only ended after 10 days because England had to catch a ship home), Kingsmead has witnessed some of South African cricket’s finest moments.

Kingsmead staged its first Test match in 1923.

Since the 1980’s, the ground has been extensively redeveloped with new stands at the Umgeni and Old Fort Road ends, but the old main grandstand remains as a reminder of past glories.

The pitch is laid slightly below sea level and local folklore maintains that when the tide comes in in the late afternoon, the water table rises, offering unexpected movement to seam bowlers.