The Oval Cricket ground is in Kennington, London, and has been home to the Surrey Cricket Club for over 175 years. It was the venue for the first test match between Australia and England, and is currently home to T20 cricket.
The land the ground is laid on is leased from the Duchy of Cornwall. The SCCC was formed in 1845 and the turf at the oval was originally taken from Tooting Common and cost a huge £300. The original pavilion was built in 1858, though it was replaced 1898 to accommodate the success and popularity of the ground. In 1882 a spectator is said to have bitten through his umbrella handle during a tense defeat of England by Australia. This was the first time England had lost on native soil and The Sporting Times produced an obituary lamenting the death of English Cricket.
During England’s next tour of Australia, the victorious England captain was presented an urn of ashes, said to represent the cremated ashes of English Cricket. The ashes are now presented to the victors in test matches between the two nations. The Oval ground was also the venue for the first Football cup final in 1872 and the first England versus Wales Rugby match.
Though Lords is considered the home of cricket, the Oval has played an integral part in the history of the game, and visitors to the ground can enjoy one of the best preserved Sports arenas in England.
The Oval Cricket Ground
Sports Venue in Kennington
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Address
The Oval, Kennington, Kennington, SE11 5SS
The Oval, Kennington, Kennington, SE11 5SS
Telephone
020 3946 0100
020 3946 0100
Category
Sports Venues
Sports Venues
Region
Kennington
Kennington
Website
https://www.kiaoval.com/