You’d swear it was a scene straight out of any Test ground in England after Day 1 of the New Years’ Test at Newlands, writes Alasdair Fraser.

From Manchester to Leeds, and Scunthorpe, Newlands was decked out in flags that screamed England.

Every time a wicket fell there was a collective groan around the picturesque ground of Newlands.

You’d think the total opposite but South Africa’s oldest Test rivals were at it again.

It was the 58th Test at arguably the most beautiful ground in cricket – the first being the 1889 Test match against the English.

The Proteas continued where they left off at Centurion putting England, and the Barmy Army under the pump as they finished 262/9 at stumps.

But the beer flowed as the Barmy Army sang their merry way from their stirring rendition of Jerusalem to the final last drop of the nectar amber as young Ollie Pope blessed them with a cameo 56 not out.

As Tony from Manchester told me: “Your boys are bowling like champions. We’ve got our work cut out over the next few days.”

A big statement as the Proteas need to bat too as the adage goes.

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It was hard to spot a South African in the crowd but the ones that were there had plenty to cheer about.

Due to construction at Castle Corner, the Oaks was reminiscent of the famous Kop at Anfield.

One South African remarked that the Barmy are truly ‘barmy’ as the sun and beer mixed into one song.

“The beer is cheap and this is the place to be on the cricket calendar right now remarked a sunburnt English fan nursing a cold pint under the Oaks. This game ain’t over yet, mate.”

Wise words indeed. If you are a staunch Proteas fan heading down to Newlands over the weekend, then brace yourself.