Fewer than 20,000 spectators attended the five-day match, despite the stadium having a capacity of 20,000 per day.

According to Cricinfo, the disappointing turnout came during the Proteas’ first home Test since being crowned World Test champions, with the union determined to understand why supporters stayed away.

Protests in central Durban, which prompted a heavy security presence, may have contributed to the low attendance, while the rising cost of living was also identified as a possible factor.

KZNCU CEO Heinrich Strydom acknowledged that the match deserved greater support and said the union would review how to make Test cricket more accessible and appealing to supporters.

Durban has struggled to attract Test crowds in recent years, with the traditional Boxing Day Test moved to Centurion as a result.

The concern now extends to the remainder of the series, with the second Test in Gqeberha beginning on Sunday and the third at Newlands scheduled to start on a Tuesday.

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