Former Australia opener David Warner has criticised the poor fan attendance at the ongoing Test series between South Africa and Australia, calling the situation pathetic. He voiced his frustration on X, pointing to the empty stands during the series.
The criticism follows Australia’s comprehensive 214-run win in the first Test in Durban, which was played in front of a sparse crowd. Fans also stayed away during the first two days of the rain-affected second Test in Gqeberha.
Warner questions the appeal of Test cricket
In his post, Warner asked where the fans were in South Africa and whether the format was really thriving. “We keep hearing how important Test cricket is, but where are the fans in South Africa?” he wrote.
He added that the format could not be called the pinnacle of the game if no one turned up to watch it. He described the reality as harsh but said someone had to say it.
KZNCU to review low turnout in Durban
Only 20,000 fans attended the series opener, which was also the first Test in South Africa between the two countries since the Sandpaper gate incident. It was also the Proteas’ first home Test since January 2025.
After the low attendance, the Kwa-Zulu Natal Cricket Union said it would launch a review into the reasons behind the sparse crowds. Its CEO, Heinrich Strydom, also lamented the empty stands and said both teams deserved more support from spectators.
“A Test match of this quality, featuring the Proteas and Australia, deserved greater support in the stands,” Strydom said in a statement. He acknowledged that supporters face competing demands on their time and money, but said the union must better understand what influences their decisions to attend.
