Cape Town – In the build-up to the second Test against England at Newlands, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis made the joke of referring to the iconic South African venue as the ‘Home of Cricket’. 

It went down a treat with the touring journalists. 

There is no doubt that Newlands, with its blue skies and mountain views, has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most picturesque cricket venues and it ranks high up the list for many international players, past and present. 

It has also become South Africa’s only option for their New Year’s Test, with Cape Town consistently delivering packed out crowds for the weekend. 

The Proteas have a superb record at Newlands, having lost just one of their last 18 Tests at venue. 

Things are not going well for them currently, however, and they will have to do something seriously special to avoid defeat against Joe Root’s men over the next two days. 

While all of the first three days of the Test were sold out, there were empty seats visible on Monday. 

One thing that has remained consistent, however, is the fact that there has been more English support since day one. 

On Monday, Sport24’s Lloyd Burnard spent some time walking around the ground and capturing the English in full voice. 

English fans in full voice, belting out another performance of ‘Jerusalem’ as their side takes to the field in an effort to bowl out the Proteas and level the series @Sport24news pic.twitter.com/WtPn89H9NB

— Lloyd Burnard (@LloydBurnard) January 6, 2020

English supporters appreciating the efforts of opener Dom Sibley (133*) as the visitors declare, setting the Proteas a massive 438 for victory at Newlands @Sport24news pic.twitter.com/gRrcNq7Wtk

— Lloyd Burnard (@LloydBurnard) January 6, 2020

It might be the first Monday back at work for many, but Newlands is still relatively full, even if there are more English fans than South Africans ?? pic.twitter.com/OwHIa4L1Ii

— Sport24 (@Sport24news) January 6, 2020