WACA: A stadium filled with memories
India and Australia are heading to Perth to play its second Test, commencing on the 14th of December. The venue for the contest is the newly-built Perth Stadium (commercially known as Optus Stadium). While the Perth stadium is ready to host its maiden international Test match, the Western Australia Cricket Association Ground (known as WACA) would no longer be hosting an international match.
WACA was one of the few venues which had produced tonnes of memories for cricket fans. The stadium was always been known for its excessive ‘pace and bounce.' Moreover, it was also considered to be the fastest track in the world. Bowlers from all over the world would dream to bowl at this stadium. All the batsmen who set their foot on this wicket were continuously asked questions about their technique and mental strength.
Unfortunately, the stadium closed down in December 2017, for it was not generating enough revenue (the stadium had a crowd capacity of only 22000).
It was, however, important to remember that, there were a few classic Test matches played at this venue. This article encapsulates some of the wonderful moments at this venue, ranging from gritty knocks to marauding spells and record run chases.
#1 South Africa seals a mammoth run chase
It was the first Test of a high voltage series clash between Australia and South Africa in 2008. Both the teams were ready to battle it out and gain their ascendancy. Australia had imposed South Africa, a steep target of 414. Any other team would have looked to grind it out and settle for a draw. But South Africa had other ideas.
Graeme Smith, the then captain, laid a solid foundation for the team with a century (108), despite having some discomfort with his elbow. He, and Hashim Amla (53), put on 153 for the second wicket. AB de Villiers soon joined the party and crafted a magnificent century. He, along with JP Duminy (50*), took the team home and the South Africans had managed to chase down the second-highest successful run chase in Tests.
Batting for more than a hundred overs, the South African's 'Never say Never Die' attitude had helped them achieve the mere impossible. This run chase had indeed given a riveting start to the series.