The Wanderers Stadium: Johannesburg’s Bullring and Its Great Matches

The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, known as the Bullring because of its steep, enclosed stands, is one of South Africa’s most important cricket venues. It stands in the suburb of Illovo and is the home of the Lions in domestic cricket. The ground’s noisy crowds and fast-scoring matches have given it a reputation for drama.

History

The Wanderers Club has been connected with Johannesburg sport since the nineteenth century, and the present ground was opened in 1956 after the club moved from its earlier site. It has been redeveloped many times and now holds about 34,000 spectators, with large stands on each side that create a closed-in atmosphere.

Pitch and conditions

The ground lies at an altitude of roughly 1,750 metres, so the air is thin and the ball travels further. The pitch typically offers pace and bounce for fast bowlers, but when the surface is flat and the outfield quick, batters can score at remarkable speed, so limited-overs games here often produce very high totals. Summer thunderstorms are common and can cause delays.

Landmark matches

In March 2006 South Africa chased down Australia’s 434 to win by one wicket in what is known as the 438 game, then the highest-scoring one-day international ever played. The 2003 World Cup final was staged at the ground, with Australia beating India by 125 runs. In September 2007 India defeated Pakistan by five runs in the inaugural T20 World Cup final here. In January 2015 AB de Villiers hit the fastest century in one-day international history, reaching three figures in 31 balls against West Indies.

Test cricket

The Wanderers is a regular Test venue, often scheduled for the Boxing Day or New Year period. Its bouncy pitches and loud crowds make it a demanding place for touring teams, and a strong record at the ground has long been a point of pride for South African sides.