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Business News/ Mint-lounge / Indulge/  Boundaries and beyond
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Boundaries and beyond

A guided tour of the five most beautiful cricket grounds in the world

Newlands was the venue of the first ever Test match outside of Australia and England and has a rich history. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons)Premium
Newlands was the venue of the first ever Test match outside of Australia and England and has a rich history. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
(Wikimedia Commons)

Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa

Arguably the most picturesque cricket stadium in the world, with Table Mountain looming in the background where the stands dip down to let the fans inside get a good look. Wisps of cloud cling to its edges, spilling down the cliff face towards the stadium.

Within the stadium itself a family picnic atmosphere reigns, as people sprawl across the grass along the boundary. People of all ages play their own cricket matches with plastic bat and ball sets and, at lunch break, they are even formally welcomed onto the field where they can try their luck on the same pitch as Hashim Amla and A.B. deVilliers. Newlands was also the venue of the first ever Test match outside of Australia and England and has a rich history. There is a brewery very close to the stadium as well, satisfying the two basic needs of any fan—cricket and beer.

Things to do nearby: A forty-minute train ride from Newlands station out to Simonstown takes you along the coast, where crystal-blue waves break just beyond the train tracks. Once in Simonstown, it is only a short way to Boulder Beach and its population of wild South African penguins. On the train home, stop at Kalk Bay for your choice of restaurants overlooking the sea. The waterfront with its pretty scenes and scores of local shops and restaurants is a terrific place to spend a day. A trip to nearby Robben Island where the great Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison is highly recommended.

Best time to visit: New Year’s Eve. Bring in the New Year on the gorgeous Cape Town beaches and stay back for the New Year’s Test match.

The best approach to the Adelaide Oval is to walk across the Torrens river from the city centre.
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The best approach to the Adelaide Oval is to walk across the Torrens river from the city centre.

Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia

The best approach to the recently refurbished multi-event facility at the Adelaide Oval is to walk across the Torrens river from the city centre. The sleek curving bridge takes you over the river towards the mouth of the South Gate and its glass panels. Inside, the stadium is high and round, with seats angled high under its spaceship-like white domes. The domes themselves provide shade that lasts all day, a critical feature in Adelaide’s 40-degree Celsius summers.

One side of the Oval dips down, and at the right angle the spires of the nearby cathedral can be seen. The original scoreboard also remains despite a recent renovation, giving some character to the otherwise smooth surfaces. The Adelaide Oval in twilight is a sight to behold, with streaks of orange in the sky well contrasted with the whites of the stands and green of the grass.

Things to do nearby: The Adelaide CBD is only a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Rundle Mall boasts a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants, and Central Market is the place to be for fresh seafood. Nearby China Town offers a variety of Asian food options. If you can rent a car, be sure to check out the wine country near Adelaide Hills on any of the affordable wine-tasting tours.

Best time to visit: Australia Day, 26 January, when a cricket match is guaranteed to be held there.

You know you have arrived at the Kensington Oval when you hear the music. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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You know you have arrived at the Kensington Oval when you hear the music. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

It may not have the best looking stadium, but the legendary cricketing history of Barbados and its proximity to waters of the deepest shade of blue you will ever see make it a no-brainer in this list. The Caribbean vibe is unmistakable in the stands and the party from the beaches and bars gets carried into the stands. You know you’ve arrived at the Kensington Oval when you hear the music. The number of overs doesn’t matter—from 20 overs to five days, a band will be there. In most cases, it is not planned out in advance: people simply arrive, instruments in hand, and form a merry improvisation of Caribbean rhythms.

The joyful spirit of the music is reflected in the crowd. Families bring elaborate spreads of jerk chicken and salads, while the vendors sell delicious fish cakes at seven for a dollar. The perfect combination of spongy and fried, they go well with the beer and rum flowing from the bar.

Things to do nearby: Oistin’s fish market serves affordable seafood, frequented by locals and tourists alike. The white sandy beaches make it perfect for a swim and lie-down, or a nice easy stroll in the setting sun. In Barbados, everything is nearby. You can even visit the smaller local grounds that raised players such as Sir Garfield Sobers. Be sure to visit the Legends of Barbados museum that’s just a stone’s throw from the cricket ground.

Best time to visit: For cricket fun, July, when Caribbean Premier League is on.

The MCG packed to the gills on a Boxing Day is a sight to behold. Photo: Getty Images
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The MCG packed to the gills on a Boxing Day is a sight to behold. Photo: Getty Images

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia

The imposing concrete structure capable of seating 100,000 fans may not be within the definition of “beautiful", but “The G" packed to the gills on Boxing Day is a sight to behold and must be included in the bucket list of any self-respecting cricket fan. The first ever Test match was held here in 1877 and the Australians take very good care of their cricketing history and traditions. Be sure to go on a guided MCG tour as you get to walk through the various sections of this behemoth and enjoy the views of the ground and the city of Melbourne from various vantage points. Take a walk around the MCG to look at the various life-size statues of cricketing and footy legends, including Shane Warne and Dennis Lillee.

Things to do nearby: The Yarra River flows right by the MCG and it is one of the most awe-inspiring strolls you will take as a sports fan as Rod Laver Arena, HiSense Arena and other sporting centres are packed into Melbourne Park. Check out Federation Square where big-screen TVs are set up for viewing and the CBD is just a few minutes’ walk away, loaded with restaurants and pubs.

Melbourne is very well connected through a tram and bus system and it’s very affordable, with a fare-free zone included. Take full advantage of it to explore the localities of Richmond, St Kilda and Fitzroy for art, music, drinks and food.

Best time to visit: Christmas and Boxing Day.

The Galle cricket stadium. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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The Galle cricket stadium. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Galle Cricket Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka

The best view of the Galle oval isn’t in the stands itself, but up on the old stone fort that surrounds it. From high above you can look down on both the beautiful green oval and the sea beyond, where colourful boats bob on the blue surface.

The nearby town of Galle Fort is a tourist’s dream, with small winding streets and quaint shops. Try the egg hoppers for breakfast, but whatever you do, don’t miss the buffalo curd and honey for dessert.

Make sure you take a train from Colombo down to Galle, along the country’s south-west coast with the ocean breeze bursting through the train’s windows.

Things to do nearby: The Yala and Udawalawe national parks are close by (a few hours’ ride in a car) with opportunities to see leopards, elephants and other wildlife on affordable safaris.

Best time to visit: July-August. Avoid November as it’s the monsoon season.

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Published: 27 Feb 2015, 05:56 PM IST
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