LONDON:
The Oval
cricket ground, now known as Kennington Oval, is a place for the cricket romantic. For connoisseurs and those steeped in cricket history, it's a venerable ground. Opened way back in 1845, it was this ground which hosted the first ever Test match to be played on English soil - between England and Australia in 1880. This is the home ground of the Surrey Cricket Club since its inception.
WORLD CUP SCHEDULEThe British care for history and everything associated with it. The Oval retains its old-worldly charm even though additions have been made to the main clubhouse over the years. As one moves around the arena, portraits of former England and Surrey stars dot the pillars and walls. Legends like
Alec Bedser
, Peter May,
Ken Barrington,
George Lohmann,
Jack Hobbs,
Jim Laker,
Alec Stewart adorn the walls and also the many achievements of the club which is one of the most successful in English county cricket.
The entry to the stadium is an imposing sight, the brown-brick main structure looms high and large. It's a bit weather-beaten but then it's been standing proudly for more than a hundred years.
Sea of blue pervades groundThe ICC is calling the World Cup "the world's greatest cricket celebration," and it's largely the Indian fans who are giving the tournament the pomp and colour it needs. The Oval, on Sunday, was a sea of blue with Indian fans filling up almost 80 percent of the stands. If there were any Aussie fans present, then they were hardly visible.
Well before the game had begun, the streets leading to the stadium were throbbing with Indian supporters. The dhols were playing the Bhangra beats and slogans were being raised making it all very festive.
Last-minute ticket seekers were desperately searching around for it. Those with tickets to sell were trying to get the best prices.
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