SCG to host its hundredth Ashes test

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host its 100th Test Match when Australia plays India in the second Test commencing on Tuesday (3rd January).

The SCG will become one of only three international grounds to have hosted 100 Tests, the others being the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Lord's in London.

The Sydney Cricket Ground is the creation of 11th North Devonshire regiment in the 1840s when its colonel decided to use military funds to transform the scrubland to the south of Victoria Barracks into a cricket ground of the highest standard, one that could host games worthy of the best teams in the Empire. The original ground included a rifle range and gardens while the SCG has retained many gardens to this day.

British troops were withdrawn from NSW in 1870 with responsibility for the SCG then assumed by the NSW Regiment. Building work and earth moving had been continuous.

In January 1876, the colonial government of NSW transferred responsibility from the military to a Trust appointed by the Minister for Lands. The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust is the direct descendant of the first three Trustees appointed.

The first Test played at the SCG was in February 1882 where Joey Palmer bowled Australia to a five-wicket victory in the second Test of the series against England. This was the first of 54 Tests between Australia and England played at the SCG

Over the ensuring years, Australia has played Tests against England (54), South Africa (11), West Indies (14), India (9), Pakistan (7), New Zealand (2), Zimbabwe (1) and the 2005-06 season Test against a World XI.

SCG Trust Chairman Rodney Cavalier states "in a world of unending change, when nothing seems certain, Test cricket at the SCG is powerfully attractive. Tests are recognisably nineteenth century played in a contemporary setting.

"The Laws of Cricket have been amended to reflect the spirit of the game. Equipment has changed. Batsmen and bowlers have experimented. Yet, the equipment, bowling actions and batting strokes remain essentially what were devised by the founding generation of first class cricketers."

Australia has enjoyed a winning advantage at the SCG. It has won 54 Tests, lost 28 and drawn 17 and has often hosted the Test at which the Ashes have been won, lost or retained.