World Cup venues: A bird's eye view
AUCKLAND
Auckland is the economic capital of New Zelaand
Situated in the North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most populous city. Known for its pristine beaches, hiking trails, volcano cones and fine wine, it's the most cosmopolitan of all cities in the country, which also boasts of a sizable Asian population.
With its mild climate, excellent educational and job opportunities and plenty of leisure activities, it is often rated as one of the best cities in the world to live. No wonder the indigenous Maori people call it ‘Tamaki Makaurau’ -- a maiden desired by a hundred lovers.
EDEN PARK
Capacity: 50,000
Playing Area: NA
Highest Total: 340/5 (NZ vs. Aus, 2007)
Lowest Total:73 (NZ vs. SL, 2007)
Highest Score: 140 (Glenn Turner)
Best Bowling:6/30 (Waqar Younis)
Home to New Zealand’s first Test victory in 1955-56 against the West Indies, Eden Park has witnessed matches since 1929. It plays host not just to cricket but also rugby (Auckland Blues' home ground) and holds the distinction of becoming the first stadium in the world to have held two rugby World Cup finals -- 1987 and 2011. But it was also here that the Black Caps collapsed for 26 against England in 1955, its lowest-ever Test total.
The ground resembles a baseball diamond and in the early 1900s was used only for cricket. Later on, an agreement with the rugby administrators allowed for its further development into the largest stadium in New Zealand. It now sports two giant modern-day grandstands with a contrastingly old pavilion. A $256 million redevelopment programme was completed in 2010.
BRISBANE
The city is named after the Brisbane River on which it is located.
The river, in turn, got its name from Scotsman Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales from 1821 to 1825.
Capital of the state of Queensland, it’s Australia’s third most populous city and showcases the best of the country’s flora and fauna. The natural beauty of the Botanic Gardens, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Kangaroo Point Cliffs for rock climbing and the Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin all stand testimony to this.
Did you know: The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927, was the world’s first for Koalas.
THE GABBA
It was first set aside for cricket in 1895 and interestingly the first-ever match played in 1896 was between the Parliament and the Press. After that, it hosted its first Test match in 1931, played between Australia and South Africa. Since then it has seen sports as diverse as Australian Rules Football (home to the Brisbane Lions), cycling, rugby, baseball and greyhound races.
Situated in the suburb of Woolloongabba, the Brisbane Cricket Ground, popularly called the Gabba, is one of the best modern-day stadiums. It once boasted of grassy banks and dogtrack, which have now been replaced by concrete structures. Though it has lost some of its old-world charm, Gabba has the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
The greatest moment in the stadium’s history is the tied Test between Australia and the West Indies in 1960-61.
Capacity: 40,000
Playing Area: 170.6m long, 149.9 m wide
Highest Total: 324/7 (Aus vs. WI, 2010)
Lowest Total: 71 (Pak vs. WI, 1993)
Highest Score: 163 (David Warner)
Best Bowling: 6/45 (Chris Woakes)
Auckland is the economic capital of New Zelaand
Situated in the North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most populous city. Known for its pristine beaches, hiking trails, volcano cones and fine wine, it's the most cosmopolitan of all cities in the country, which also boasts of a sizable Asian population.
With its mild climate, excellent educational and job opportunities and plenty of leisure activities, it is often rated as one of the best cities in the world to live. No wonder the indigenous Maori people call it ‘Tamaki Makaurau’ -- a maiden desired by a hundred lovers.
EDEN PARK
Capacity: 50,000
Playing Area: NA
Highest Total: 340/5 (NZ vs. Aus, 2007)
Lowest Total:73 (NZ vs. SL, 2007)
Highest Score: 140 (Glenn Turner)
Best Bowling:6/30 (Waqar Younis)
Home to New Zealand’s first Test victory in 1955-56 against the West Indies, Eden Park has witnessed matches since 1929. It plays host not just to cricket but also rugby (Auckland Blues' home ground) and holds the distinction of becoming the first stadium in the world to have held two rugby World Cup finals -- 1987 and 2011. But it was also here that the Black Caps collapsed for 26 against England in 1955, its lowest-ever Test total.
The ground resembles a baseball diamond and in the early 1900s was used only for cricket. Later on, an agreement with the rugby administrators allowed for its further development into the largest stadium in New Zealand. It now sports two giant modern-day grandstands with a contrastingly old pavilion. A $256 million redevelopment programme was completed in 2010.
BRISBANE
The city is named after the Brisbane River on which it is located.
The river, in turn, got its name from Scotsman Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales from 1821 to 1825.
Capital of the state of Queensland, it’s Australia’s third most populous city and showcases the best of the country’s flora and fauna. The natural beauty of the Botanic Gardens, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Kangaroo Point Cliffs for rock climbing and the Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin all stand testimony to this.
Did you know: The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927, was the world’s first for Koalas.
THE GABBA
It was first set aside for cricket in 1895 and interestingly the first-ever match played in 1896 was between the Parliament and the Press. After that, it hosted its first Test match in 1931, played between Australia and South Africa. Since then it has seen sports as diverse as Australian Rules Football (home to the Brisbane Lions), cycling, rugby, baseball and greyhound races.
Situated in the suburb of Woolloongabba, the Brisbane Cricket Ground, popularly called the Gabba, is one of the best modern-day stadiums. It once boasted of grassy banks and dogtrack, which have now been replaced by concrete structures. Though it has lost some of its old-world charm, Gabba has the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
The greatest moment in the stadium’s history is the tied Test between Australia and the West Indies in 1960-61.
Capacity: 40,000
Playing Area: 170.6m long, 149.9 m wide
Highest Total: 324/7 (Aus vs. WI, 2010)
Lowest Total: 71 (Pak vs. WI, 1993)
Highest Score: 163 (David Warner)
Best Bowling: 6/45 (Chris Woakes)
==================================
