The Oval

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Updated On :09 Apr, 2021

Full Name
The Oval

Capacity
25,500

Type
Outdoor

Location
London, England, United Kingdom

Surface Type
Grass

Located in Kennington, 'The Oval' is an international sports venue that predominantly hosts cricket matches. It has also been known as the "Kia Oval" for sponsorship reasons and has been the home ground of Surrey County Cricket Club since its inauguration in 1845. The Oval was the first cricket ground in England to host the international Test match in 1880. The north-western end of the ground is known as "Vauxhall End", being near to Vauxhall, a district of southwest London whereas; the opposite end is called the "Pavilion End", the Members' Pavilion. In 2013, the Corinthian Roof Terrace was built on the OCS Stand from where one can see the panoramic view of London skyline.

Trivia

The Oval is the first sports arena, having the artificial lighting in the form of gas-lamps in 1889.
The Oval is the second ground in the world to host a Test match after Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Significance

On 18th June 1724, the ground hosted its maiden first-class match, held between London cricket club and Dartford cricket club.
In 1884, Australian cricketer Billy Murdoch scored a Test double century at this ground for the first time.
The Oval witnessed its first ODI match on 7th September 1973, between England and West Indies.
The ground has also hosted the World Cup matches of 1975, 1979, 1983, and 1999.
On 3rd March 1875, it hosted the United Hospitals Challenge Cup final match, which is the oldest rugby union cup event in the world.
On 27th July 2017, the Oval hosted its hundredth Test against South Africa and became the fourth Test venue to witness hundred Test matches after Lord's, MCG and SCG.
This ground hosted the first ever international football match, organised by the Football Association on 5th March 1870 between England and Scotland.