Adelaide Oval: The Architectural Marvel

The culture of cricket in Australia is well developed. It has the best quality facilities through the length and breadth of the country and that is one of the prime reasons why they dominate in world cricket. The grounds are well equipped as they have all the facilities like indoor nets, gym etc. Today, in this article by ZAP cricket, we will also discuss one of the most well equipped and yet picturesque grounds in Australia- The Adelaide Oval, the home ground for Adelaide Strikers and South Australia.

The ground is located between the city centre and North Adelaide and was established in 1873. The capacity of this ground is 50,000 spectators. It has three  stands- Western Stand, Riverbank Stand and Easter Stand and two ends City End and Cathedral End.  

Pitch report and weather conditions 

The pitch is grassy and that provides cushion to pacers. However, as the game proceeds, the ball comes nice on the bat. Wickets in Australia are generally bouncy and hence, it provided great help to fast bowlers. Hence, an even competition is evident between bat and ball.

Teams batting first prefer to bat first. Out of 82 Test matches played here, 72 times teams winning the toss opted to bat.

The weather conditions at Adelaide Oval remain pleasant with average humidity. Wind plays a mild role. 

Ground and Outfield 

The ground is large with dimensions as 190m x 125m. It is oval in shape hence most runs are scored squarer to the wicket. The ground is covered with lush green grass and that makes the ball travel faster, hence, it has a quick outfield. 

Features of the Adelaide Oval 

• Scoreboard: The heritage listed scoreboard was designed by architect F. Kenneth Milne and was first used in 1911.
• The Hill: It is located under the scoreboard and was created from the banks of River Torrens.
• Bradshaw Bell: This bell is named after Keith Bradshaw, who is a former Australian cricketer. The bell is rung before the start of each day’s play.
• Victor Richardson Gates: These gates are named in honour of cricketer and footballer- Victor Richardson.
• Statues: A number of statues have been built to honour the great players of the country of various sports like cricket, football, Aviator etc.

First matches at the Adelaide Oval

• First test match- 12-16 December, 1884 between England and Australia 
• First ODI- 20 December, 1975 between Australia and West Indies
• First T20I- 12 January, 2011 between England and Australia 
• First women’s test- 15-18 January, 1949 between Australia and England 

Cricket timeline at Adelaide Oval 

1873- First cricket game played here

1877- First first class match here

1878- First century scored here by John Hill

1884- First test match played here 

1949- First women’s test match was held at this ground between England and Australia 

1975- First ODI was played between Australia and West Indies

1997- First cricket match under lights

2015- First day night Ashes Test match at this venue 

Test cricket records at the Adelaide Oval 

Most runs by an Australian: Ricky Ponting (1,743)

Most runs by a non Australian: Brian Lara (610)

Highest individual score: David Warner (335* vs Pakistan)

Most centuries: Michael Clark (7)

Highest batting average: Lindsay Hassett (128.25)

Most wickets by an Australian: Nathan Lyon (63)

Most wickets by a non Australian: Kapil Dev (19)

Best bowling figures: Albert Trott (8/43 vs England)

Highest innings score: 674 by Australia vs India 

Lowest innings score: 36 by India vs Australia 

Highest partnership: Ricky Ponting and Michael Clark (386 runs vs India)