Notes from Durban

          Thanks, Durban Jiostar India Pvt Ltd
          • Andrew McGlashanOct 15, 2026, 01:20 AM
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              Deputy Editor Andrew arrived at ESPNcricinfo via Manchester and Cape Town, after finding the assistant editor at a weak moment as he watched England's batting collapse in the Newlands Test. Andrew began his cricket writing as a freelance covering Lancashire during 2004 when they were relegated in the County Championship. In fact, they were top of the table when he began reporting on them but things went dramatically downhill. He likes to let people know that he is a supporter of county cricket, a fact his colleagues will testify to and bemoan in equal quantities.

          One down, two to go. Or three down, potentially 18 to go. It all depends how you are counting Australia's Test cricket marathon.

          • Without wanting to sound cliched, it was nice to watch a Test played at, what could be called, a more natural tempo - notwithstanding Australia's five-runs-an-over second innings which, itself, was superbly structured given the match scenario.

          • The pitch was excellent. On the fifth day, Aiden Markram was able to survive 237 balls while there was something for all the bowlers. It did not become the spinner's paradise that had been suggested.

          • It became a good few days for Australia's selectors.

          • The crowds were a disappointment. It was a concern before the game, as noted by my colleague Firdose Moonda, and came to pass. While it may look like apathy, it can't be all put down to the locals who are facing a number of challenges although the recent history of crowds in Durban suggests it is a pattern.

          • The Australians are well supported, and the numbers will grow over the next two Tests with one tour group bringing 250 fans to Cape Town. Another group is taking a detour to Victoria Falls before the second Test.

          • Not going to lie, a braai and a couple of drinks on the grass bank under the old scoreboard as the sun went down, kindly put on by the Kingsmead staff, was not the worst way to round out the Test experience.

          • South Africa were underwhelming after the first day. Is it a worry for the rest of the series? Maybe, the batting looks a little thin, but they came from 1-0 down in 2018 and Australia's batting questions have not all be answered by one victory. Kagiso Rabada would be a massive in for them in Gqeberha (and apologies in advance for how that is pronounced in days to come).