7 Best Cricket Pitches in the World

Our planet beams for affection for cricket. Stars like MS Dhoni and Virat Kholi are inarguably sweethearts in cricket-loving communities, with punters regularly staking on their cricket favorite teams on top apps like Dafabet (expertly reviewed on https://rg.org).

But aside from the technical expertise of our favorite cricketers, the quality of the pitch significantly affects gameplay and our experience as spectators.

Admittedly, millions of dollars are being poured into developing premium cricket stadiums across the globe. But which are the best cricket pitches at present?

The Oval, London

Generations of cricket fans have gathered at South London’s The Oval, also known as the Kia Oval, to support their teams and see some of the most remarkable events in the sport’s history.

The Oval originally became accessible in 1845. It served as England’s first cricket venue to hold a Test match in 1888.

It has also played host to some of the most famous England vs. Australia matches, including the nail-biting Ashes Test in 2005, which England won by two runs after a string of defeats in the biannual competition.

The inaugural One Day International game between England and the West Indies in 1973 was another notable game played at The Oval.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

One of the most recognizable cricket venues in the world is Eden Gardens, which is situated in Kolkata, India. It is a significant historical site in the city, constructed in 1864. 

Numerous international games have taken place there, including the 1987 World Cup and the 2016 ICC World Twenty20.

Eden Gardens is a sizable stadium with a staggering 66,000 seating capacity. It has a lengthy history, having served as the site for Test matches since 1934.

The 1987 Cricket World Cup Final, the first to be held outside of England, was one of the games that will always be remembered as having taken place at Eden Gardens. 

Here, Australia won the Cricket World Cup Final by a score of 7 runs over England.

Another one was the 1996 World Cup semifinal, which was abandoned, and Sri Lanka was declared the winner due to crowd disturbance.

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, often known as MCG Melbourne, can accommodate more than 100,000 people.

The MCG stands out in part due to its lengthy history. Since it opened in 1853, the stadium has hosted some of the most cherished moments in Cricket history.

Numerous cricket test matches have taken place there, notably the inaugural contest between Australia and England in 1877. Additionally, it hosted the 1992 Cricket World Cup Final, which Pakistan won in front of nearly 87,000 spectators.

The adaptability of the MCG is another feature that sets it apart. The stadium is utilized for rugby, football, concerts, and other sports besides cricket.

Edgbaston, Birmingham

With a capacity of 25,000, Edgbaston is renowned for its enthusiastic and vocal crowd. The Warwickshire County Cricket Club calls it home.

The distinctive design of Edgbaston is one feature that sets it apart. One of the most daunting venues to play for visiting teams is this stadium because of the unique shape it was built in, which magnifies the noise created by the fans.

Numerous noteworthy games have taken place at Edgbaston over the years. The 2019 Ashes Test Match, which saw Australia defeat England by 251 runs for their first win at Edgbaston since 2001, was one of the most well-known games to take place there.

The ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup matches have both been held at Edgbaston.

Lord’s Cricket Ground London

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) owns Lord’s in St. John’s Wood, London, and it serves as the administrative center for both the European Cricket Council and the England and Wales Cricket Board. It was first used in 1814 and has hosted some of cricket’s most illustrious games.

The fabled “Lords’s Tavern,” a classic bar situated close to the ground, is a well-known feature of Lord’s. Both players and fans alike frequent the tavern since it offers a place to mingle before and after games.

The renowned “Long Room,” an event space close to the pavilion, is also housed at Lord’s. The Long Room is a well-liked tourist attraction and has a variety of memorabilia related to cricket.

The 1990 Test match between England and India at Lord’s, where Graham Gooch established the record for the most individual innings with 333, is among the important games there. The highest team total ever was 333/4 with 60 overs in England vs. India ODI that was played here in 1975. 

HPCA Stadium Dharamshala, India

A cricket stadium that stands out for its distinctive setting and breathtaking scenery is the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, India. 

The stadium is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and a tranquil ambiance as it is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. 

The 23,000-seat stadium is renowned for its cutting-edge amenities and top-notch playing surface.

The HPCA Stadium has hosted a lot of great games over the years. The first ODI between England and India at the stadium, which England won by seven wickets on January 27, 2013, is one of the most memorable games.

Another is the first Test match between India and Australia that took place there from March 25 to March 29, 2017, and which India won by an 8-wicket margin.

Kensington Oval

The Kensington Oval is a historic Cricket ground located in Barbados. It’s the most prominent sporting facility in Barbados and has hosted many top-level cricket games. The stadium has a 28,000 capacity and was established in 1981.

The venue’s first games were the ones that the Pickwick Cricket Clubs used to play in 1882. However, it was not until 1895 before the ground hosted its first international match involving the Slade Lucas.

It took 35 years after that for the pitch to host its first test match between the West Indies and England. The West Indies Cricket team has won the most test matches at the venue, with more than 20 wins.

One of the most historic matches that the ground has ever held was the 2007 Cricket World Cup Final. Australia and Sri Lanka battled it out, but Australia won the match by 53 runs. 

The match was historic in many forms and drew thousands of spectators. It was Australia and Sri Lanka’s second World Cup final meeting.

Adam Gilchrist set the record for the highest number of innings by a batsman in a Word Cup final at Kensington Oval. The venue still hosts events in Cricket and other sport and remains a remarkable venue.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the numerous top-notch cricket fields that can be found worldwide. Visits to one of these stadiums are sure to be entertaining and unforgettable, whether you’re a devoted fan or simply a casual observer.