India leads the world with 28 test cricket grounds, having hosted 261 Test matches. South Africa follows with 11 Test grounds, ranking third. As Test cricket grows in global popularity, many countries have joined the ranks. The first Test match took place in Melbourne, Australia, in 1877. Sofia Gardens in Cardiff became the 100th Test venue in 2009. Here are some of the countries with the highest number of Test cricket grounds.
1. India (28)
India, with 28 Test cricket grounds, boasts the highest number in the world and has hosted 261 Test matches. The Bombay Gymkhana in South Mumbai, Maharashtra, is notable for hosting India’s first Test match on December 15, 1933, with C.K. Nayudu as captain. Originally the venue for Bombay Pentangular matches, it now hosts winter cricket games and features six tennis courts, three badminton courts, a fitness center, six billiards and snooker tables, five squash courts, and a swimming pool.
2. Pakistan (16)
Pakistan, with 16 cricket grounds, ranks second for the highest number of Test cricket venues and has hosted 144 Test matches. The country’s first Test match took place on January 15, 1955, at Bahawal Stadium, also known locally as Dring Stadium, in Bahawalpur, Punjab. With a capacity of around 15,000, the stadium is primarily used for cricket and is the second-largest stadium in Asia by area.
3. South Africa (11)
South Africa, with 11 Test cricket grounds, ranks third in terms of the highest number of cricket venues. St. George’s Park, now known as Axxess DSL St. Georges, hosted South Africa’s first Test match on March 12, 1889. Located in Port Elizabeth, the ground has been home to the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club and the Eastern Province Club. Hosting both One Day Internationals and Test matches, it features unique attractions like the grass band that plays during major games. Since 2005, South Africa has hosted 21 Test matches at this venue, with 8 wins, 9 losses, and 4 draws.
Test Cricket Grounds In Other Test Cricket Playing Countries
Test cricket continues to grow in popularity worldwide, with many countries now participating in the sport. For a country to engage in Test cricket, it must provide necessary facilities like equipment and stadiums for practice. While cricket is mainly played in Asian and European nations, it is gradually gaining traction globally. Countries with a high number of Test cricket grounds include Australia and England, each with nine, followed by New Zealand and Sri Lanka with eight, Bangladesh with seven, and Zimbabwe and the UAE with three. Additionally, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda each have two grounds, while nine other countries have one ground each.
Countries With The Highest Number Of Test Cricket Grounds
| Rank | Country | No. of grounds | Location of first match | Date of first match | No. of Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 28 | Bombay Gymkhana Ground | 15 December 1933 | 261 |
| 2 | Pakistan | 16 | Bahawal Stadium | 15 January 1955 | 144* |
| 3 | South Africa | 11 | St. George’s Park (now Axxess DSL St. Georges) | 12 March 1889 | 220 |
| 4 | Australia | 9 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | 15 March 1877 | 411 |
| 5 | England | 9 | The Oval Cricket Ground | 6 September 1880 | 501 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 8 | Lancaster Park (now AMI Stadium) | 10 January 1930 | 204 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 8 | Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium | 17 February 1982 | 131 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 7 | Bangabandhu National Stadium | 1 January 1955 | 61* |
| 9 | Zimbabwe | 3 | Harare Sports Club | 18 October 1992 | 56 |
| 10 | United Arab Emirates | 3 | Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium | 31 January 2002 | 28 |
| 11 | Guyana | 2 | Bourda | 21 February 1930 | 32 |
| 12 | Antigua and Barbuda | 2 | Antigua Recreation Ground | 27 March 1981 | 28 |
| 13 | Barbados | 1 | Kensington Oval | 11 January 1930 | 51 |
| 14 | Trinidad and Tobago | 1 | Queen’s Park Oval | 1 February 1930 | 60 |
| 15 | Jamaica | 1 | Sabina Park | 3 April 1930 | 49 |
| 16 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 1 | The Playing Fields | 20 June 1997 | 3 |
| 17 | Grenada | 1 | National Cricket Stadium | 28 June 2002 | 3 |
| 18 | Saint Lucia | 1 | Beausejour Stadium | 20 June 2003 | 5 |
| 19 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 1 | Warner Park | 22 June 2006 | 3 |
| 20 | Wales | 1 | SWALEC Stadium (Sophia Gardens) | 8 July 2009 | 3 |
| 21 | Dominica | 1 | Windsor Park | 7 June 2011 | 4 |