Most matches on a single ground in Tests – Australia and England share 7 of the 8, but where is No. 8?
They call it the home of cricket, and it is a dream for most players to play on its hallowed turf.
While typically that means a Test against England, that will not be the case in June, when the final of the World Test Championship takes place in London at the famous Lord’s.
Test cricket has been played for a very long time — the first game being staged in 1877 (and not at Lord’s) — but as we approach the big encounter between the Proteas and the Baggy Greens, let’s take a moment to see which grounds have hosted the most Tests of all time… and where Lord’s stands on the list.
8. Basin Reserve (Wellington, New Zealand): 69 Tests between 1930-2024
New Zealand’s oldest Test venue, the Basin Reserve in Wellington is known for its charming, old-school setting and bowl-like atmosphere. The ground hosted its first Test in 1930 against England and has since become a fortress for the Black Caps.
Despite New Zealand playing fewer Tests annually than the bigger nations, the Basin’s consistency as a host keeps it in the top 10. From Sir Richard Hadlee to Kane Williamson, many Kiwi legends have left their mark here.
7. Headingley (Leeds, England): 81 Tests between 1899-2023
Few grounds have hosted more drama than Headingley. From Botham’s Ashes heroics in 1981 to Ben Stokes’ impossible chase in 2019, this Leeds-based ground has long been a theatre for the miraculous.
First hosting a Test in 1899, it remains a regular on England’s Test circuit, especially for Ashes battles. Its seam-friendly pitch and unpredictable bounce often make it a favourite for bowlers.
6. Adelaide Oval (Adelaide, Australia): 83 Tests between 1884-2024
Known for its picturesque setting with the famous scoreboard and St Peter’s Cathedral in the background, the Adelaide Oval is one of the jewels of Australian cricket.
Since its first Test in 1884, Adelaide has hosted some historic contests, including Don Bradman’s early exploits. In the modern era, it has also pioneered day-night Test matches, offering a fresh chapter in Test cricket history.
5. Old Trafford (Manchester, England): 85 Tests between 1884-2024
Old Trafford is among England’s most storied venues, witnessing over 140 years of Test cricket. Its pitch can offer pace, bounce, and turn – making it one of the more balanced venues.
It famously hosted the first ever Ashes Test in England in 1884 and was the site of Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century” in 1993. Its recent redevelopment has preserved its legacy while upgrading the facilities to modern standards.
4. Kennington Oval (London, England): 107 Tests between 1880-2024
The Oval has the distinction of hosting England’s first-ever home Test in 1880 and also the final Test of most English home summers. It is steeped in tradition and known for its flat wickets that aid batting, especially later in the match.
The venue has seen farewells from legends like Don Bradman (famously dismissed for a duck in his last innings) and emotional Ashes deciders. Located in South London, it has long been a vital part of cricket’s cultural and competitive fabric.
3. Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney, Australia): 113 Tests between 1882-2025
Few venues are as iconic as the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), which blends history with modernity in perfect harmony. Since 1882, it has been the home of New Year’s Test cricket in Australia and has produced many memorable encounters.
The SCG pitch is known to assist spin, making it a crucial ground for tweakers like Shane Warne and Nathan Lyon. It has also played host to emotional moments, including tributes to Phillip Hughes and legendary final appearances.
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia): 117 Tests between 1877-2024
The MCG is the birthplace of Test cricket, hosting the first-ever match between Australia and England in March 1877. Today, it remains one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a capacity topping 100,000.
It is synonymous with the Boxing Day Test and draws massive crowds annually. Over its 147-year history, it has hosted Ashes classics, historic centuries, and has become one of the most recognisable sporting venues globally – not just in cricket.
1. Lord’s (London, England): 147 Tests between 1884-2024
The “Home of Cricket” sits comfortably at the top of this list. Since its first Test in 1884, Lord’s has been the crown jewel of the sport.
Its honours boards are the stuff of legend, and its members’ pavilion and famous slope make it one of the most unique and revered venues in world sport.
From five-wicket hauls and famous centuries to historic battles like the 2005 Ashes opener and the 2019 World Cup final, Lord’s has witnessed cricketing theatre like no other venue.
As the stage for the upcoming 2025 World Test Championship final, it is fitting that such a prestigious fixture will unfold on cricket’s grandest platform.
For both players and fans, walking through the Long Room and out onto the lush green field at Lord’s is the realisation of a dream.
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