Let's explore the oldest cricket grounds globally!
Cricket is a sport with roots deeply embedded in history. It has evolved over centuries, and so have the venues that have witnessed its thrilling contests. The world is dotted with cricket stadiums that stand as silent witnesses to the glorious past of this gentleman's game. Let's embark on a journey through time to explore some of the oldest cricket stadiums that have become iconic landmarks in the sport's history!
Lord's Cricket Ground, the world's oldest cricket stadium, is among the most iconic cricket venues globally. On July 21, 1884, it hosted its inaugural match, featuring England and Australia. Named after its founder, Thomas Lord, the ground is owned by the Marylebone Cricket Club and serves as the home ground for Middlesex County Cricket Club. With a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators, Lord's has hosted 139 test matches, 67 ODI matches, and 10 T20 internationals since 1883.
Trent Bridge, a prominent cricket venue in England, held its first test match in 1899. Ranking as the second-oldest cricket ground in the country, it has witnessed memorable performances by players like Gary Sobers, Clive Rice, and Richard Hadlee. Notably, Stuart Broad achieved his best bowling statistics of 8-15 here when Australia was defeated by 60 runs in 2015. The stadium accommodates 17,500 spectators.
The Oval cricket stadium, with a rich history, gained fame for hosting the first-ever international match on English soil in September 1880, where England defeated Australia by five wickets. Established in 1845, it's the world's third-oldest cricket ground and is known for hosting significant athletic events. Located in Kennington, London, The Oval has a seating capacity of 23,500.
Sydney Cricket Ground, renowned for high-scoring matches, was built in 1848 and is the fourth oldest cricket ground globally, as well as the oldest in Australia. With a capacity of 44,002, it hosted the first international test match between Australia and England in 1882 and the first ODI in 1979 between the same teams.
The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the world's second-largest cricket ground and was founded in 1853. As the fifth-oldest cricket ground, it hosted the first international test match on March 15, 1877. MCG recently set a record for the largest audience in a women's game during the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup final between India and Australia, drawing 86,174 spectators.
England's renowned cricket ground, Old Trafford, is the world's sixth-oldest cricket stadium, established in 1857. Hosting the first Ashes Test in 1884, it saw Shane Warne deliver the legendary "ball of the century" to Mike Gatting in 1993. The first test match occurred in 1884, and the first one-day game occurred in 1972 between England and Australia.
Eden Gardens, India's premier cricket venue, is the second-largest cricket arena in India, accommodating 66,000 people. Established in 1864, it serves as the home ground for the Bengal Cricket Team and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The first test match was played here in 1934 between India and England, and the first ODI was played in 1987 between India and Pakistan. Recently, it hosted India's first-ever day-night test match against Bangladesh.
These cricket grounds are the pillars of the game. These are the grounds on which the game was invented, and it is here that it is now played and cherished worldwide.
