Band provides only atmosphere at ground

I HAVE read the debate about the band at the test match. I am from England, visiting my son who works in Port Elizabeth.

I am a cricket purist. I like test cricket, but I think the debate about the band misses one key point.

Some will not agree with what I will say, but I hope it provokes some New Year debate.

I was fortunate to attend the first three days of the test and whether you think the band is good or bad, it was the only atmosphere in the ground. I have never been to a major sporting event, and in particular an international event, with no atmosphere.

The band’s music may be repetitive, but for me the worst thing about the test match was the decision on the second day to come off for bad light – dangerous conditions! I think the match officials should concentrate on giving the paying public some cricket, which is what we pay for, rather than focusing on the noise from the band.

There is as much noise from an Indian, West Indian or Pakistani crowd when their team are playing England in England. The difference is that it is not concentrated in one small area.

I understand the comments about Castle Corner and fans there having their enjoyment disturbed, but that is surely down to those who run the Castle Corner to sort out. And if not, then those fans should get a full refund.

I think that is easy for someone with some responsibility to sort out.

The second major point is that the South African cricket authorities missed a huge opportunity on the third day to introduce a lot of kids to cricket. A family ticket offer of parents and kids for R100 would have generated some ticket revenue (the third day cannot have made any profit other than TV/satellite revenue), revenue to concessions and the chance for kids who may not have been to a cricket match before to see the best sport in the world.

The second day attendance was so much lower than that on the first. Anyone from Cricket South Africa could and should have seen that and done something to make the best of a poor situation.

On the third day I stood behind a South African fan, who was greeted by a friend, and his opening words were that the crowd was “sorry”.

It is also important to remember in terms of the debate about noise that sports move on.

I am also a rugby fan, and in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s a kick at goal was generally graced by crowd silence. Do you hear silence now? No.

For me, the chance to go to a Boxing Day test was something I never thought I would see until my son came to South Africa. It was a great experience, but I think marketing opportunities are there but not seized.

David Turnell, visitor to Port Elizabeth

I ALSO found the band annoying at times. No offence to the band members – it must be very unpleasant for them to take so much criticism lately.

We all have different likes and tastes – some like the band, some don’t. Over the years I always thought to let the band play a piece of music every 20 minutes or so, then most supporters would be happy.

Greg Botha, Rowallan Park, Port Elizabeth