Old Trafford Cricket Ground is the host for the fourth match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
The ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy has produced some of the best action we have witnessed in Test cricket recently. However, the series has turned in England’s favour after the third game, with the hosts leading 2-1. India’s next match is in a venue where the team has never registered a Test victory.
The Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. Given the series is in full swing, much has been written about the two sides’ exploits at the venue.
Therefore, for a change, we have taken the liberty of getting away from England and India to only write about Old Trafford—several facts that many cricket enthusiasts aren’t aware of.
Home to the Lancashire Cricket Club, the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, situated close to the Old Trafford football stadium, was built in 1857. At present, it is the second-largest cricket stadium in England after the iconic Lord’s. The stadium did not feature floodlights until 2011, and the names of the two ends are James Anderson End and Brian Statham End.
The stadium held its first Ashes in 1884, witnessing the birth of England and Australia’s rivalry in Test cricket. Today, the Ashes is one of the most prestigious trophies and events in the world—a history that Old Trafford has been part of for 141 years and will continue to remain so.
Old Trafford has witnessed several magical tricks produced by multiple players. However, in our book of thoughts, the two most iconic moments belong to Sachin Tendulkar and the late Shane Warne.
(Credit- The Cricket Monthly)
Old Trafford is the venue where Shane Warne bowled his “Ball of the Century” to dismiss Mike Gatting, leaving him stunned and the spectators in awe. This stadium also proved to be the launchpad for Sachin Tendulkar and his 100 centuries. Old Trafford witnessed Tendulkar’s maiden Test century in 1990, which helped India secure a draw.
Probably the biggest ever individual achievement that Old Trafford has witnessed was Jim Laker’s feat of 19 wickets. On July 31, 1956, Jim Laker dismantled the entire Australian batting lineup in an Ashes match, picking up 19 wickets across two innings—a record that stands to this date.
During the Second World War, the stadium was used as a transit camp for troops returning from the Dunkirk evacuation. In December 1940, Germany attacked the city through air raids, which were called the Manchester Blitz, as several other parts of the city were also attacked. The appeal to raise funds for repair failed, and that’s when German PoWs were given a small wage to repair the stadium.
Last but not least, the stadium is also a musical venue, having hosted some of the biggest musical names, including Bon Jovi, Green Day, Rihanna, and Harry Styles, among others.
