City: London
Country: England
Capacity: 23500
The Kennington Oval, usually simply called "The Oval," is one of cricket's most hallowed grounds, located in the borough of Lambeth in south London. Established back in 1845, it has the distinction of being the second oldest Test ground in the world, after Lord's. This iconic venue has played a central role in the development of cricket as we know it today. It was here back in 1880 that England played Australia in the first Test match ever held on English soil, marking the beginning of a storied tradition.
The stadium can nowadays accommodate around 25,500 spectators. It's been through some significant changes to reach this capacity, with a particularly major renovation taking place in the early 2000s, which saw the construction of the state-of-the-art OCS Stand. The reinvigorated stadium offers modern amenities while still maintaining a sense of its traditional charm.
The Oval serves as the proud home to Surrey County Cricket Club, one of England's leading county teams, ensuring that a solid programme of domestic cricket is always on the calendar. Internationally, it remains a pivotal ground, regularly hosting Test matches and limited-overs fixtures, including several key games during the ICC Cricket World Cup tournaments, particularly the 1979 and 2019 editions.
The pitch at The Oval is known for being quite a fair playing surface, often offering a good balance between bat and ball. Early in a Test, it tends to be advantageous for batsmen, offering true bounce and pace. However, as the game progresses, it can begin to assist spin, making for engaging contests.
One can't discuss The Oval without highlighting its unique characteristics. The famous gas holder that looms over the ground may not be pretty, but it’s iconic and part of the ground’s identity. Then there's the Vauxhall End, a favoured spot for the more vocal sections of the crowd. The Pavilion, with its old-world charm, retains its Edwardian elegance, making it a postcard-perfect background for those pavilion end shots.
Accessibility is pretty decent. The ground is well-connected by public transport, particularly Oval and Vauxhall tube stations, making it easy for spectators to pop in. It's surrounded by an array of facilities, from classic British pubs to diverse eating spots, enhancing the fan experience beyond just the cricket.
In sum, The Oval is both a rich reservoir of cricketing history and a modern venue that continues to offer fans an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a hardcore devotee or a casual fan, it always has something unique to offer.
Surrey
Nottinghamshire
Surrey
Warwickshire
Surrey
Northamptonshire
Trent Rockets
Northern Superchargers
Northern Superchargers W
London Spirit W
Oval Invincibles
London Spirit
Oval Invincibles W
London Spirit W
Oval Invincibles
Trent Rockets
Oval Invincibles W
Trent Rockets W
Oval Invincibles
Welsh Fire
