Cricket has a long-standing history in the world, with fully built stadiums coming much later on the scene. Like many casual sports, cricket too used to be a vagabond, changing venues with age. Speaking about the stadiums, the top five oldest stadiums are not in India. Kolkata’s Eden Gardens Stadium is the oldest in India, and is also the third largest in the world. Nevertheless, here is a list of the five oldest cricket stadiums in the world. 1 | Lord’s Cricket Ground (London, England) Lord’s Cricket Ground, located in St John’s Wood, London, is one of the most significant venues in the history of cricket. Owned by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), it functions as the home of MCC and the headquarters of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The ground is known for its blend of historic and modern architecture. The Victorian Pavilion, built in 1889–90, houses the Long Room, which players pass through to access the field. In contrast, the Barclays Media Centre, an aluminium structure completed in 1999, represents modern design. A unique feature of the playing area is the Lord’s slope, a natural gradient of about 2.5 metres across the ground that influences play. 2 | Trent Bridge (Nottingham, England) Trent Bridge is a well-known cricket ground located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, and has been a regular venue for international and county cricket. First used in the 1830s and formally established in 1841 by William Clarke, it is the home of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and frequently hosts England matches. Following several redevelopments, the stadium has a capacity of around 17,500 spectators. The ground features a mix of historic and modern structures, including the Victorian Pavilion, the Radcliffe Road Stand with indoor cricket facilities, and the Fox Road Stand with its distinctive roof design. In July 2024, the Pavilion End was renamed the Stuart Broad End. Trent Bridge is located near the River Trent and close to Nottingham city centre. The pitch has a slight natural slope that can influence play. In 2025, the venue is scheduled to host England’s Test match against Zimbabwe and a women’s T20 international against India. 3 | The Oval (London, England) The Oval, officially known as The Kia Oval for sponsorship reasons, is a historic cricket ground located in Kennington, South London. Established in 1845, it is the home of Surrey County Cricket Club and one of England’s most important sporting venues, with a capacity of around 25,500. The ground was the first in England to host a Test match, when England played Australia in September 1880. It also holds historical importance as the venue linked to the origin of the Ashes in 1882. Beyond cricket, The Oval hosted the first FA Cup final in 1872 and early international football and rugby matches. Architecturally, the ground features the Victorian Pavilion completed in 1898, along with stands such as the Peter May Stand and the Lock/Laker Stand. Traditionally known for batting-friendly pitches, The Oval regularly hosts international fixtures and domestic competitions involving Surrey CCC. 4 | Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney, Australia) The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is a historic sporting venue located in Moore Park, Sydney. First used in 1848 as the Garrison Ground, it became known as the SCG in 1877 and currently has a seating capacity of about 48,000. The ground is a primary home for the New South Wales Blues, Sydney Sixers, and Sydney Swans. It has hosted major cricketing events, including matches during the 1932–33 Bodyline series, and regularly stages the New Year’s Test. Architecturally, the SCG combines heritage and modern design, with the Members’ and Ladies’ Pavilions representing Victorian-era construction, while newer stands such as the M.A. Noble and Don Bradman stands provide updated facilities. The venue also features statues of prominent Australian cricketers and the Lara–Tendulkar Gates. The pitch, made from Bulli soil, is known to assist batting early and offer increased turn for spinners later in matches. Read also: The Gabba: Brisbane’s Historic Ashes Cricket Fortress 5 | Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia) The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), commonly called “The G,” is located in Melbourne, Australia, and is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere. Established in 1853, it has a seating capacity of 100,024 and is the second-largest cricket stadium globally as of 2025. The MCG holds major historical importance, having hosted the first-ever Test match in 1877 and the first One Day International in 1971. It is the home ground of the Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Stars, and also hosts several Australian Rules Football teams. Key features include the Melbourne Cricket Club Pavilion, the Great Southern Stand, and six permanent light towers installed in 1985. The stadium uses drop-in pitches, which are prepared off-site and installed before matches, offering consistent bounce and carry. Known for its large playing dimensions, the MCG regularly hosts the Boxing Day Test and the AFL Grand Final, making it a central venue in Australian sport.