| Lords | | | Oval | | | Trent Bridge | | | Taunton |
| LORD'S CRICKET GROUND |
Seating capacity : 30,000
The home ground of Middlesex, Lord's is also the home of cricket and the headquarters of the MCC and ECB. The most famous cricket ground in the world played host to the first three World Cup finals as well as the 1999 final.
The West Indies were involved in all of the first three finals, winning in 1975 and 1979 but losing to India in 1983, while in 1999 Australia prevailed over Pakistan.
Since then the ground has changed dramatically, adding a new Mound Stand as well as developing the Compton and Edrich stands. The new media centre stands proud as one of the most impressive of any such facilities.
Contacts
Address: Lord's Cricket Ground, St. John's Wood, London NW8 8QZ
Telephone: 0207 289 1300
Fax: 0207 289 5831
Internet: www.lords.org
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| THE OVAL |
Seating capacity : 23,000
Traditionally, The Oval has provided a great wicket and has produced some truly phenomenal matches. Recently it has been a lucky ground for England who defeated Australia in 1993 and 1997, as well as being the venue for the last match of England's victory in the 2005 Ashes series. Phil Tufnell took 6 wickets for 4 runs in 33 balls there in 1991.
The Oval is steeped in history and has witnessed some truly remarkable cricketing memories, including Len Hutton's 364 against Australia in 1938 and in 1998 Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan took 16 wickets in one match with 220 balls, including figures of 9-65 in the second innings.
The Oval has become synonymous with the landmark pale blue gas holder which overlooks the north-east side of the ground. In 2005 the Vauxhall end was redeveloped and now incorporates new facilities for the media, the community and corporate visitors.
Contacts
Address: The Oval, Kennington, London SE11 5SS
Telephone: 0207 582 6660
Fax: 0207 735 7769
Internet: www.surreycricket.com
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| TRENT BRIDGE |
Seating Capacity : 15,350
The home of cricket in Nottinghamshire, Trent Bridge has a reputation as one of the most delightful grounds in the country.
The first match held there was in 1840 between Nottinghamshire and Sussex, while almost 60 years later in 1899 the ground hosted its first Test match between England and Australia. It has since enjoyed an outstanding Test history, witnessing many classic moments.
Many classic innings were played out at the ground, not least when Viv Richards notched up 232 against England. Sir Richard Hadlee, one of the world's greatest bowlers, represented the county during the 1980s, while Sir Garfield Sobers, arguably the greatest of them all, enjoyed a successful spell and recently had a new stand opened in his name at the River Trent end of the ground.
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| TAUNTON |
Seating capacity : 6,000-7,500
Taunton has been the home of cricket in Somerset since 1882, although the county was not granted admission into the County Championship until 1891. Hampshire was the initial first-class opponents to play at the ground in 1882, with Lancashire the first official championship opponents in 1891.
Numerous superstars of cricket history have entertained crowds at Taunton, which have been known to reach over 8,500 for important matches to see players such as Ian Botham, Viv Richards and Joel Garner, the former of which opened a stand named in his honour in 1998.
However, Taunton will always be best remembered for being the ground where England legend Jack Hobbs scored his 126th and 127th centuries to surpass the record previously set by W.G. Grace and for the 10,000 fans that filled the ground to bursting to watch Don Bradman's Australia.
It is clear that there is a thriving passion for cricket in the West Country, and the ground has the pedigree to nurture it, having served as a venue for the 1983 and 1999 World Cups.
Furthermore, Taunton is now known as the home of women's cricket in England, and is one of the most popular venues on the international circuit. It will be the host ground for women's ICC World Twenty20 2009.
Contacts
Address The County Ground, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1JT
Telephone 01823 272946
Fax 01823 332395
Internet www.somersetcountycc.co.uk
