The best looking cricket grounds
*As Decided By My Dad and His Friend Mark
The year was 2007, my Dad and his high school bestie Mark were about 8 stubbies deep when they sat me down in front of Mark’s desktop to educate me on the great cricket grounds of the world. This mostly included looking at them from above on Google Maps while Mark announced their virtues (full disclosure - this is coming from two men who had once claimed to stop a taxi because the driver was an English cricket supporter).
I have retained this knowledge; with brain space I could have used for long division or perhaps cool shark facts. Alas, I share it with you now, hoping I might finally be rid of it and make room for other important knowledge like Ricky Ponting career stats and loved one’s birthdays.
The Oval - England
Source: Stakebd.com
Source: Sky Sports
With a capacity of 25,500 and an illustrious cricketing history, The Oval cricket ground kind of looks like a soup bowl and I think that’s fun. In 1938 England whomped Australia there, with a score of 908 for 7 and winning by an Innings and 578 runs. Interestingly the ground is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall (and thus Prince Charles.)
Adelaide Oval - Australia
Source: NDTV
Source: AFP
The Adelaide Oval is widely known to be one of the best looking grounds in the world, but more importantly it’s where Don Bradman scored 299*in 1932, which remained the ground record until Warner’s 335* in 2019. Mark made a note of letting me know this ground was unusually long. Cool fact Mark.
Old Trafford - England
Source: VIP Matchdays
As much as it pains me to have two English grounds here (Mark knows a lot about English grounds) I just think Old Trafford is neat. I like the boxes and the colours are fun… what else is there to say? Established in 1864, this ground hosted the first Ashes tournament. It was also the location of Jim Lakers unmatched 19 wicket haul, for just 90 runs.
Newlands - South Africa
Source: Blasting News
Source: Newlands Cricket Stadium
Newlands Cricket Ground in South Africa is famous for its beautiful surrounds. Situated in Cape Town and overlooked by mountains, this ground seats 25,000 and boasts some of the best views of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak. In 1845 it was owned by a brewer who promptly gifted it to his daughter as a wedding present - and I’m just saying Dad, it could be worth thinking about, I don’t want a blender.
Melbourne Cricket Ground - Australia
Source: MelbourneMarathon.com
Source: TripAdvisor.com
The symmetry, the shape, the fact it's right near Richmond station *chef kiss* stunning. It was until recently the highest capacity cricket ground in the world, seating an oddly specific 100,024. It’s actually right around the corner from the Just Play office, and sometimes I go up to the roof and stare longingly in its direction, praying for an Australian Ashes win.
Dad and Mark once went to a game there when I was a kid but didn’t bring me. They took my brother instead who left halfway through, and fun fact, I have not - and will never - forgive them.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium - India
Source: Wikipedia.com
Source: Purbat.com
Dad and Mark didn’t mention this one but I don’t care, you can’t tell me this isn’t the best looking cricket ground you’ve ever seen in terms of stands and surrounds. It’s only ever hosted one test (India v Australia - 2017) in part due to its harsh Winter. It’s known as a good ground for bowlers, due to its small and open stands, which allow winds to sweep across the wicket. Imagine Warnie there is his hay day, wind blowing through his frosted tip mullet. Exceptional.
Know of any other great looking stadiums I should let Dad know about? HMU and I will pass along any and all suggestions ✌️
