WC venue guide: The SCG, Sydney

Established: 1848
Capacity: 44,000
Floodlights: Yes
Ends: Paddington End, Randwick End
Home Team: New South Wales
ODI History: 332 ODIs; 81 home wins; 139 away wins; 12 other
Overview
The Sydney Cricket Ground is situated in Moore Park and is the home of the New South Wales Cricket Association. Formerly known as the Garrison Ground, the first recorded cricket match was played there in 1854 but the venue was rebuilt in 1877.
Just five years later it welcomed Test cricket, by which time it boasted two grandstands. The rebuilding continued, including the removal of a cycling track in the 1920s, with the Bradman Stand completed in 1973.
Renovations continued into 2014, with the Bradman and MA Noble stands rebuilt, though the rooves were not finished in time for the New Year's Test between Australia and England.
It has long been used as the venue for Australia's New Year Test and although not huge by Australian standards, can create an intense atmosphere with the spectators so close to the players.
The SCG is also the home of the AFL's Sydney Swans and has staged tennis, both codes of rugby and even motor racing. In 1938 it hosted the British Empire Games.
The 2012 New Year's match between Australia and India brought the Sydney Cricket Ground's its 100th Test, making it only the third venue after Lord's and the Melbourne Cricket Ground to reach the milestone.
Top ODI total: 368 for five by Australia vs Sri Lanka in 2006
Favours batting/bowling: Batting. It is generally a flat wicket at the SCG. There have been 39 ODI centureis scored at the venue and it is usually tough on bowlers. Only 14 five-wicket hauls have been taken in 332 ODI's.
Best ODI batsman: Allan Border 1561 runs in 62 innings. Border hit two centuries and three fifties and had an average of 28.90 at the ground.
Best ODI bowler: Glen McGrath, 50 wickets in 27 matches at an amazing averge of 18.30 for the prolific fast bowler. He had an economy rate of 3.74.
Fixtures:
Fri Feb 27: Pool B – South Africa v West Indies
Sun Mar 8: Pool A – Australia v Sri Lanka
Fri Mar 13: Pool A – Afghanistan v England
Wed Mar 18: 1st Quarter-Final
Thu Mar 26: 2nd Semi-Final
Most exciting match-up: Sun Mar 8: Pool A – Australia v Sri Lanka
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