As the year progresses, we are inching closer and closer towards the ICC World Cup 2019. The cricket’s biggest extravaganza begins from the 30th of May and will go on till the 14th of July. The 12th edition of the World Cup is going to be hosted by England and Wales.
All the teams who are to participate in the international event have already been drawn – England (hosts), Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies, reports BSS.
This time, in the first round of the tournament the ten teams will play against each other. The top four teams will progress to the semifinals. England will open the tournament on May 30 when they take on South Africa.
Here is the list of venues that will feature in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Edgbaston, Birmingham
The homeground of Warwickshire County Club, it has a capacity of 25,000 making it the fourth largest cricketing venue in England. It will be hosting five matches in the tournament, including a semifinal match.
The cricket ground also has a bit of history associated with it. It hosted the first match in England to be played under floodlights in 1997 and also the first day/night Test match in England in August 2017.
Bristol County Ground, Bristol
Also known as Nevil Road or The Brightside Ground, the Bristol City Ground has boasted several names over the years. It reserves a capacity of 8,000 for county matches, but is capable of housing 17,500 spectators during international matches. The ground has long boundaries in comparison to most county cricket clubs. It hosts three matches.
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
The only cricket ground in Wales to be featuring as one of the venues, it has a capacity of 15,643. Four matches in the World Cup 2019 will be played at the venue. It is home to the Glamorgan County Cricket Club and is listed as an international Test venue.
The venue is particularly memorable for Bangladeshi fans. It is the ground in which Bangladesh produced one of the biggest upset of the cricket history, stunning the then all conquering Australia by five wickets in 2005.
Mohammad Ashraful hit a classic century, while Aftab Ahmed struck a towering six off Jason Gillespie to make it a match to remember forever. Such was Bangladesh’s love affair with this ground that they even beat New Zealand, recovering from a tittering 33-4 in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 to confirm the semifinal berth in any global tournament for the first time.
Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad smashed century each to leave the Kiwis stunned. Bangladesh will take on hosts and tournament favourite England in this ground on June 8 and it is to see whether they could continue the love affair with this ground.
Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Home of the Durham County Cricket Club, it houses 19,000 spectators during international matches and 5,000 for domestic matches. It will be hosting three matches in the tournament.
Headingley, Leeds
The Headingley Cricket Ground, is one of the older cricket grounds in England and has hosted Test matches since 1899. The ground has a capacity of 18,350 and will be hosting four matches in the tournament.
Lord’s, London
The elite amongst the elite, it is one of the most, if not the most prestigious cricket grounds in the world. The Home of Cricket will be hosting five matches, including the final of the ICC World Cup 2019. With a capacity of 28,000 and a plethora of world-class facilities, it only seems fit that the Lord’s hosts the World Cup final.’
The Oval, London
Another extremely significant cricket ground for England, the Oval is located in Kennington and is the home ground of the Surrey County Club. It has a capacity of 25,500 and will be hosting five matches in the tournament. It has utmost historical significance to it and not just in cricket. It hosted England’s first international Test match, first international football, first FA Cup final and first Rugby Varsity match.
The final Test match of the English season is traditionally played on this ground.
Old Trafford, Manchester
The second oldest Test venue in England, it has a capacity of 26,000 for international matches and 19,000 for domestic games. It will be hosting six matches in the tournament (the highest for a single ground) in the ICC World Cup 2019. The pitch at Old Trafford has historically been the quickest in England, but will take spin later in the game.
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
A 17,500 capacity cricket ground located in Nottinghamshire, it will be hosting five matches in the tournament. The site takes its name from the nearby main bridge over the Trent.
Rose Bowl, Southampton
Located in West End, Hampshire, the Rose Bowl will be hosting three matches in the ICC World Cup 2019. The ground has undergone several renovations over the years and is a modern cricket ground in every aspect.
County Ground, Taunton
The County Ground is both home stadium for both the England Women’s Cricket team and the Somerset County Club. It will be hosting three matches in the tournament.