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There has been some amazing cricket in the first four one day internationals between Australia and South Africa.
Aaron Finch blasted a brilliant hundred in Canberra, AB de Villers has proven time and time again why he is the best one day batsman in the world, and we have seen the likes of Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, Mitch Starc and Morne Morkel throwing down thunderbolts.
The only thing that has been missing however, is the fans.
I remember the good ol’ days when you’d struggle to get a ticket to the ODIs. Even the monstrous MCG would be almost full for the 50-over fixtures.
Lately however, crowds simply have not been anywhere near the same as they once were – in size, noise or colour.
It’s not like this is a pop-gun one-day series against weak opposition either. South Africa are one of if not the best cricket side across all three formats.
AB de Villiers, as mentioned, is the premier batsman in the world. Dale Steyn is arguably the best bowler in the game also. Not to mention the presence of excitement machines David Warner, Johnson and Glenn Maxwell.
This is a series designed to help selectors settle on their strongest side for the upcoming World Cup, while South Africa are using it to familiarise themselves with Aussie conditions.
The fact yesterday’s game took place on a work day could affect the crowd, but it never mattered in the past. Crowds would absolutely swell after 3pm as people left work early to attend the fixture.
So why are people staying away?
As I type this, watching the game with a beer in hand and my feet up in front of a fan, I can’t help but think this is a pretty attractive option.
Although I am working Sunday afternoon and will not be able to go to the game, I honestly couldn’t tell you I’d be a lock for the game anyway.
I already have my ticket for day three of the Sydney Test against India. The McGrath day is one of the greatest days on the cricket calendar, and has been a tradition at the cricket for a few years now.
A quick look at the prices for Sunday shows tickets start at $50. Not bad considering you get, in theory, 100 overs of top-quality cricket between two of the best sides in the world.
To put it into perspective, a general admission ticket to stand on the hill for the understrength Sharks versus the Dragons sets you back $35.
I’m stumped, excuse the pun.
I genuinely don’t have an answer for this one. Why are people staying away?
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