Sport
August 2014The Ashes Oval
The climax of the Ashes cricket tour takes place at South London's own international cricket ground in late August.
The Oval was a market garden when it was leased to Surrey County Cricket Club in 1845. Described as 'the Grand Old Lady' for its role in modern sports (football and Rugby Union used to be played there as well), it is usually host to the last Test match of the British summer.
It is home to Surrey County Cricket Club, which was established in 1845, and was the first British ground to host a Test match (in 1882). It has hosted many famous matches, not least England's Ashes win of 2005.
The largest of Britain's Test grounds, it is famous for its nearby mid-19th-century gasometers. In 2005 a new four-tier grandstand (the OCS) increased the ground's capacity, and its Upper Balcony provides excellent views. The Oval has a 23,000 all-seater capacity, with plans for further redevelopment in the pipeline.
See biographies of the English cricket squad
