City: Canterbury
Country: England
Capacity: 15000
The St Lawrence Ground, a quaint cricket venue nestled in the historic city of Canterbury, England, carries a rich tapestry of history and charm. Established way back in 1847, it stands as one of the oldest continuously used cricket grounds in the world, which gives it a venerable presence in the tapestry of English cricket. Over the years, it has seen many ebbs and flows, adapting to the changing tides of the sport while maintaining its quintessential English character.
With a current seating capacity that accommodates around 15,000 spectators, the ground has experienced several rounds of renovations to enhance both the viewership experience and playing conditions. A notable upgrade occurred in the early 2000s, enhancing facilities without sacrificing the intimate, village-green feel that makes it beloved by attendees.
The St Lawrence Ground is the proud home of Kent County Cricket Club, whose teams regularly take to the field to do battle in domestic competitions. The ground has also been graced by a smattering of international fixtures, including World Cup games. Notably, it hosted several matches during the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, drawing massive crowds who were treated to top-tier cricketing encounters. Domestically, many memorable matches have unfurled on its turf, the likes of which are etched into the annals of cricket folklore.
The pitch itself at St Lawrence is known to be a balanced one, often seeing a fair contest between bat and ball. It traditionally offers good pace and carry for seamers, yet as the game progresses, spinners get to play a crucial role, often swinging the balance in the latter stages of a match.
One of the unique features of this ground is the iconic lime tree which once famously stood inside the boundary, an oddity that remained until it was removed due to safety concerns in 2005. The tree was so integral to the ground's identity that it was officially recognised in the laws of cricket.
Situated fairly close to the city centre, the ground is readily accessible. Buses and trains from London and nearby towns offer convenient travel options. For those driving in, there’s adequate parking around. The venue is equipped with a range of facilities, including food stands and a quaint little club shop, ensuring fans are well-catered for during their visit.
To sum up, the St Lawrence Ground is not just a venue; it’s a slice of cricketing nostalgia. Whether it's the historic county matches or futuristic boundary-hitting contests of today's game, there’s always a story waiting to be told in Canterbury.
Kent
Nottinghamshire
Kent
Hampshire
Kent
Surrey
Kent
Glamorgan
Kent
Sussex
England W
New Zealand W
Kent
Lancashire
Kent
Essex
Kent
Gloucestershire
Kent
Middlesex
