The Wanderers Stadium, often referred to as the “Bullring” due to its intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, boasts a rich history. It became Johannesburg’s third Test venue, following the Old Wanderers Stadium and Ellis Park. For over 74 years, the stadium has been the center of Johannesburg’s sports culture, hosting not only cricket but also golf, tennis, squash, and bowls. Located in the Illovo area, it remains a vital hub for the city’s athletic community.
The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, is renowned for its lively pitch and high-altitude conditions, which contribute to faster-paced games. The pitch is known to offer significant bounce and pace, favoring fast bowlers early on, while also providing support for batsmen as the match progresses. As for the boundaries, the Wanderers has a relatively short square boundary, measuring around 65 meters, while the straight boundary stretches to about 75 meters. The combination of the pitch conditions and boundary sizes makes it a high-scoring venue, with thrilling matches and plenty of opportunities for big hits.
Pitch Report
The pitch is ideal for batting, with high-scoring opportunities expected. Over the past week, four totals exceeding 340 have been recorded, highlighting its favorable conditions for batsmen. However, spinners are likely to have an influence in the middle overs, potentially altering the match’s course. Both teams should aim to bat first after winning the toss.
Weather Report
FACTS
| Opened | 1956 |
| Capacity | 34,000 |
| Known as | Kent Park |
| Ends | Corlett Drive End, Golf Course End |
| Location | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Time Zone | UTC +02:00 |
| Home to | Gauteng, Transvaal |
| Floodlights | Yes |
TEST
| Total Matches | 38 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 17 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 11 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 310 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 278 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score | 252 |
| Average 4th Innings Score | 208 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 652/7 (146 Ov) by AUS vs RSA |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 49/10 (29.1 Ov) by PAK vs RSA |
ODI
| Total Matches | 49 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 19 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 28 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 235 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 204 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 438/9 (49.5 Ov) by RSA vs AUS |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 109/10 (23 Ov) by SL vs IND |
| Highest Score Chased | 438/9 (49.5 Ov) by RSA vs AUS |
| Lowest Score Defended | 149/10 (45 Ov) by RSA vs ENG |
T20
| Total Matches | 25 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 12 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 13 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 170 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 143 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 260/6 (20 Ov) by SL vs KEN |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 83/10 (15.5 Ov) by BAN vs SL |
| Highest Score Chased | 208/2 (17.4 Ov) by RSA vs WI |
The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, renowned for its exciting atmosphere and history in hosting thrilling cricket encounters, features boundary lengths that contribute to its lively nature. The straight boundaries are approximately 65 meters, while the square boundaries range from 55 meters to 65 meters. These dimensions ensure that the stadium often sees high-scoring games, with batsmen taking full advantage of the relatively short boundaries. The stadium is also famous for its iconic “Bullring” nickname, attributed to the atmosphere created by the close proximity of spectators and the action on the field.
This compact layout, combined with its vibrant crowd and energetic ambiance, has made the Wanderers a favorite among players and fans alike, often producing memorable moments in cricket history.