The top 10 best cricket grounds in Australia

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The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the biggest stadium in Australia and is one of the best in the country to visit for a game of cricket.

Ten cricket stadiums to visit in Australia

Australia is a very beautiful country, known for its attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef and Bondi Beach. They also have a very successful cricket team and both the men and the women have won multiple silverware in the past. Their home dominance has been an integral part in this. Hence, in this article we will be exploring the top 10 best cricket grounds in Australia.

To put it into context, the last two Cricket World Cups that Australia have won, have both been at home. Michael Clarke’s side won the 2015 World Cup and Meg Lanning’s side won the 2020 Cricket World Cup. The fans usually get behind the team in numbers, regardless of the stadium. But, which cricket grounds are the best Down Under, that you should consider visiting, with the 2021/22 Ashes upcoming?

10. North Sydney Oval

The North Sydney Oval, is one of the best cricket stadiums to visit in Australia. It is predominantly used for Women's Cricket.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 26: General view during the Women’s Big Bash League WBBL Semi Final match between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Thunder at North Sydney Oval, on November 26, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The North Sydney Oval, like many other cricket venues in Australia, is a multi-purpose ground, used for rugby league, soccer and cricket. It is located in Sydney, New South Wales. It was first used for cricket in 1867 and it has a capacity of 16,000. The North Sydney Oval is home to the New South Wales Blues, First Class Cricket team. The ground also hosts women’s ODIs and T20Is.

The North Sydney Oval is number 10 on our list of top 10 best cricket grounds in Australia.

9. Allan Border Field

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 03: General view during game one in the women’s One Day International Series between Australia and New Zealand at Allan Border Field on October 03, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The Allan Border Field is located in Brisbane, Queensland. Australia’s elite cricket academy has been located at the ground since 2004. The venue has a capacity of 6,500 and it hosts both women’s ODI and T20I cricket. It has hosted a number of “A” games played by touring sides, prior to their international games against Australia.

8. Carrara Stadium

The Carrara Stadium, also known as the Metricon Stadium, is located in Queensland, Australia. Despite being used occasionally for cricket, it’s primary purpose is to host matches for the Australian Football League. It can host up to 40,000 people for concerts, up to 25,000 for AFL and up to 21,000 for cricket. The Australian Cricket Team, the Brisbane Heat and the Melbourne stars all utilise the venue as their home ground.

7. Manuka Oval Canberra

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 02: Steve Smith of Australia is caught down the leg side from a delivery by Sharldul Thakur of India during game three of the One Day International series between Australia and India at Manuka Oval on December 02, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The Manuka Oval in Canberra holds up to 16,000 spectators overall, 13,550 seated and 12,000 for cricket. Sydney Thunder use the stadium for their games in both the BBL and the WBBL. Both the mens and the women also utilise it for international cricket.

Canberra is the capital of Australia and is known for its nature reserves and stunning mountain ranges. It was named one of Lonely Planet’s top cities to visit in 2018 and hence we advise you to check it out, on your next visit Down Under! The Manuka Oval is number seven on our list of top 10 best cricket grounds in Australia.

6. Bellerive Oval Hobart

The Bellerive Oval, also known as the Bludstone Arena is a sporting venue in Hobart, Tasmania. It has a capacity of 19,500 and is home to the Australian Cricket Team, the Hobart Hurricanes in both the men’s and the women’s BBL and WBBL respectively. The stadium is perhaps best known for Adam Gilchrist’s debut Test against Pakistan, in which he scored a sublime century to help Australia to an incredible victory, chasing over 350 in the fourth innings of the game.

 

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5. Optus Stadium Perth

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 12: A general view of play during the Big Bash League match between the Perth Scorchers and the Hobart Hurricanes at Optus Stadium, on January 12, 2021, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The Optus Stadium in Perth is the latest venue on this list and it replaced the Old Western Australian Cricket Association, which was traditionally known for its pace and bounce. It has an estimated capacity between 60,000 and 65,000. Perth Scorchers use this venue as their home stadium in both the men’s and the women’s BBL and WBBL respectively. Both sides have been very successful, using this venue in the T20 league.

The Optus Stadium in Perth is number five on our list of top 10 best cricket grounds in Australia.

4. Adelaide Oval

The Adelaide Oval is located in South Australia. It has a capacity of 55,317. It hosts cricket, Australian Rules Football and rugby league. The highest crowd achieved at the stadium was for the day-night test between England and Australia in the 2017/18 Ashes Series. Ricky Ponting has the scored the most runs at the Adelaide Oval, with 1743 and Shane Warne has picked up the most wickets with 56. The Adelaide Oval is a beautiful stadium, especially in day-night games, with the sunset looking upon the ground. It becomes a great view.

Our expert tip is to visit the Sir Donald Bradman Museum while you are at the Adelaide Oval, because it would make for a great day out!

3. Brisbane Cricket Ground

The Gabba is one of the best cricket grounds to visit in Australia due to it's intimidating atmosphere.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 16: A general view is seen during day two of the 4th Test Match in the series between Australia and India at The Gabba on January 16, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The Brisbane Cricket Ground or The Gabba is a sports venue in Queensland, Australia. It has a capacity of 42,000 overall or 36,000 for cricket and 37,478 for AFL. The Gabba is a fortress for the Australian Men’s Cricket Team, having lost for the first time at the venue to India in January 2021, in over 30 years. They have only lost nine out of fifty-five Test matches played at the ground. It is also the home ground of the Brisbane Heat in both the BBL and the WBBL.

2. Sydney Cricket Ground

The Sydney Cricket Ground is a sports stadium located in Sydney, Australia. It holds a capacity of 48,601 visitors. It is home to the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League and the Women’s Big Bash League. Sydney is a picturesque cricket ground, with the Member’s Pavilion and large light towers overlooking the stadium. It usually hosts the last Test of the Australian Cricket Summer, by tradition. England will hope to have regained the Ashes Down Under by the time they are in Sydney in 2021/22, or at least have this game as the decider.

 

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1. Melbourne Cricket Ground

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 28: A general view during day three of the Second Test match between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The MCG or the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the oldest cricket ground in the world, having hosted the first-ever Test match between England and Australia in March 1877. It has hosted 113 Test matches, which is the second-highest ever, only behind Lords (139). The Melbourne Cricket Ground has a capacity of 100,024, making it the largest cricket stadium in Australia.

It is famous for hosting the traditional Boxing Day Test in the Australian Cricket calendar. This is an iconic event, in which the stadium is usually full. Our expert advice is to have The MCG on your bucket list to visit, if you ever travel to Australia. Melbourne itself is a vibrant city and there is a lot to see and do. It is a multi-purpose stadium, being used for AFL and cricket. Due to its size, history and popularity, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is number one on our list of best cricket grounds in Australia.

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