The popularity of cricket, currently the second most popular sport in the world, is growing. England is typically the first nation that springs to mind when we hear the term cricket because of its exceptional cricket fields.
On the very popular demand of cricket fans here we will provide you with information about cricket grounds in UK. Although, all cricket grounds in England are appreciable based on a few factors some of them are more attractive and have an iconic history than others.
Top 10 Cricket Grounds in UK:
Here we will provide you with complete information about the top 10 cricket grounds in UK.
1. Lord’s:
Lord’s is a very famous cricket stadium as it is one of the biggest cricket grounds in UK and the home teams of this ground are Marylebone Cricket Club and Middlesex. Since the number of cricket fans growing daily, this stadium can accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, solving the issue of accommodating a huge crowd.
However, the field was established in 1814 and was named after Thomas Lord. This ground is also known as the Home of Cricket as this ground became the beginning point of success for several cricketers.
Further, its end names are Pavilion End (southwest, where the main members’ pavilion is located) & Nursery End (northeast, dominated by the Media Centre). Moreover, Karl McDermott is the groundman of the stadium after Mick Hunt in 2018 its field is made out of grass.
Finally, but just as importantly, the Marylebone Cricket Club privately owns the pitch, which has 18,000 members and is the headquarters of the ECB and the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 1909 until 2005.
2. Edgbaston:
Edgbaston was established in 1882 this field can house almost 25,000 audiences. It is situated in Birmingham and is famous because it is the largest ground in the UK after Lord’s. It is privately owned by Wylam Investments (Edgbaston Holdings) and the home teams of this stadium are England and Warwickshire.
This stadium came into limelight in 2005 after the historic Ashes match between Australia and England. The same as Lord’s this stadium’s pitch is composed of grass. Further, this stadium has named its ends as Birmingham End (previously City End), and Pavilion End.
Further, flood lights of this stadium were installed in 2011. Additionally, this amazing stadium is under the care of a hardworking curator Gary Barwell.
3. Headingley:
Headingley stadium whose home teams are Yorkshire was established in 1890 and is currently owned by
Yorkshire County Cricket Club. It is located in Headingley, Leeds, and is famous for its beauty.
The feature that draws more attention to it is the stadium’s capacity of 17,000 people. The factor that put this stadium in the spotlight is that it has been a venue for Test Matches since 1899.
Additionally, having two international venues in one location is a unique feature of the globally renowned stadium. Moreover, it has a grass field with the end titles Kirkstall Lane End and Football Stand End.
4. Sophia Gardens:
Sophia Gardens located in Cardiff, Wales the stadium which was established in 1893 with the capacity of accommodating only 5500 people is now redeveloped and can accommodate 15,000 people in it. The name of the field was set after The wife of the Marquis of Bute and the home teams for this field are Glamorgan.
The field is also known as The SWALEC Stadium. Moreover, this advanced stadium is owned by Cardiff City Council. Additionally, as with any other stadium, this stadium also has its end names which are River Taff End & Cathedral Road End. Further, the stadium floodlights were installed in 2005 and the pitch of the ground is made out of the grass.
This stadium came into the limelight in 1999 after hosting the cricket World Cup between Australia and New Zealand. Another achievement by the stadium is that after the redevelopment the stadium hosted outstanding test matches between 2009 & 2015.
Among such historic contests, the stadium received recognition for hosting the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. These days, the ground is famous because it is among one of the most modern stadiums, complete with modern amenities.
5. Trent Bridge:
Trent Bridge located in West Bridgford, Nottingham the stadium for which the team plays is Nottinghamshire is among the most iconic cricket stadiums was established in 1841 and was named after River Trent. This venue is well-known for holding County Cricket, One-Day International, and Test matches.
In the beginning, the ground was able to accommodate 15,350 but after some redevelopment procedures, it is capable of holding 17,500 audiences. However, the ground end names are Stuart Broad End & Radcliffe Road End.
Further, the field’s floodlights were installed in 2008 and the surface of the pitch is grass. The fact that Trent Bridge’s pavilion adhered to the architectural guidelines set out by its 1889 foundation makes this stadium’s state-of-the-art design one of its most significant and inspirational features.
6. The Riverside:
The ground whose home teams are Durham is Riverside venue. This is a famous field because of hosts several international cricket matches. The stadium is also known as Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground to sponsor.
The ground was established in 1995 and after some redevelopment processes today it can accommodate 17,000 fans of cricket. Located in Chester-Le-Street, County, Durham this stadium is known for being among the most scenic cricket grounds.
The end names of this attractive ground are Finchale End & Lumley End. Like any other cricket ground, this field’s pitch is composed of grass and its floodlights were installed in 2015.
7. Old Trafford:
Established in 1857 Emirates Old Trafford is another name of this stadium whose home teams are Lancashire. This name is given to this ground because of is the second oldest test match venue in England. This stadium is not only the witness of the most iconic matches of history but is also a monumental venue to host musical concerts.
Being on the list of stadiums for the 2019 ICC World Cup is what further fuels its attractiveness as a cricket pitch. Situated in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England this stadium also varies in holding the number of people Domestic- 19,000, International- 26,000, and Concerts- 50,000.
Further, this amazing stadium also contains the Hilton Garden Hotel, a five-star establishment featuring rooms with balconies overlooking the pitch. Moreover, James Anderson End & Brian Statham End are the end names of this grass-composed pitch. 2011 also saw the installation of this field’s floodlights.
In addition, this ground is presently owned by Manchester United F.C (A club accessible to all of the Greater Manchester community, dedicated to encouraging participation of youth whether it be playing or supporting, and to providing affordable football for all).
8. County Ground Bristol:
The Country Ground Bristol is also known as Nevil Road because of its location which is Nevil Road, Ashley Down, Bristol while its home teams are Gloucestershire. The field which was established in 1889 is also known as Brightside Ground for sponsorship reasons.
Due to the change in its owners, this ground has different names which include The Royal & Sun Alliance County Ground; Ashley Down Ground; Fry’s Ground; and Phoenix County Ground.
Moreover, the ground gained recognition for hosting one-day internationals and additionally, it is known for hosting four matches in the 2019 ICC World Cup. Initially, this ground was not very well organized but after a redevelopment phase, this ground not only enhanced its beauty but also increased its seating capacity to 8,000 people.
Today, this field provides its audience with premier facilities. The end names of this ground are Pavilion End & Ashley Down Road End. In addition, this ground pitch is made out of grass and its floodlights were installed in 2016.
9. Ageas Bowl:
This ground whose home teams are Hampshire is also known as Rose Bowl for its eternal beauty. Housing of Houses a luxurious hotel & spa adds charm to this stadium. Located in West End, Hampshire this field was established in 2001.
The cricket ground came into the spotlight in 2011 when after the test match between Siri Lanka and England was played in it. Additionally, this stadium excelled in the league after serving as a regular fixture on the white ball calendar.
This spectacular cricket ground can hold 15,000 people (up to 25,000 with temporary seating) to witness the match on a stylish circular pitch encircled by classic stands and pavilions.
As this stadium has a hotel hence the end names of this admiring stadium are Pavilion End to the south and the Hotel End to the north. Like any other ground’s pitch, the pitch of this field is also made out of grass. Lastly, the floodlights of this ground were installed in 1935.
10. The Oval:
Another commendable stadium of England is The Oval Stadium also known as Kennington Oval; The AMP Oval; The Foster’s Oval; The Brit Oval; and The Kia Oval. This cricket ground whose home teams are England, and Surrey has a remarkable history.
The stadium’s most memorable moment is also the one that draws the greatest attention to it. It is that it was the genesis of the Ashes, shortly after Australia’s 1882 victory over England by seven runs in under two days.
Following this occurrence, Ashes Urn was founded as a result of a parody obituary published in a sports publication. The stadium which was established in 1845 in Kennington, London, UK can accommodate 23,500 people in it.
The fact which made this stadium a bit different from others is that it was the first sports arena to have the original gas lamps in 1889. This monumental stadium has Pavilion End & Vauxhall End. Further, the pitch of this field is made of grass and the floodlights of this ground were installed in 2009.
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