Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) — History, Records & New Year's Tests

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is Australia's second most prestigious cricket venue after the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and is one of the oldest sporting venues in the world still in active use. Located in Moore Park, eastern Sydney, the SCG has hosted international cricket since 1882 and traditionally hosts the New Year's Test match in the Australian summer — typically the third or fourth Test of an Ashes or touring series. The ground has a capacity of approximately 48,000.

New Year's Test tradition

The SCG's association with the New Year's Test is one of cricket's great traditions. Beginning on or just after January 1st each year, the Sydney Test gives cricket fans a summer holiday spectacle — the SCG in midsummer heat, with its distinctive Members Stand and Victor Trumper Stand, produces some of the most atmospheric Test cricket in Australia. The tradition has produced legendary performances: Steve Waugh's career-saving 102* at the SCG against England in 2003 is one of the most famous Ashes innings ever.

A spinner's ground

The SCG is famous for producing pitches that assist spin bowling — particularly from day three onwards. The outfield is on the smaller side compared to other Australian grounds, and the surface tends to crack and turn as the match progresses. Australia have historically used the SCG to blood their spinners or select a specialist spin option, knowing that the surface will reward turn. Visiting batters who struggle against quality spin often find the SCG a difficult proposition in the second half of a Test.

Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan at the SCG

Two of cricket's greatest spin bowlers have iconic connections to the SCG. Shane Warne took his 700th Test wicket at the SCG in the 2006–07 Ashes — Andrew Strauss caught behind off Warne's leg-break, greeted by a roar from the SCG crowd. Muttiah Muralitharan, too, has produced memorable performances at the SCG. The ground's spin-friendly surface is tailor-made for the world's best twirlers.

SCG Records

The SCG has produced some extraordinary individual batting performances. Victor Trumper, after whom one of the stands is named, was a prolific scorer at the ground in the early 20th century. Don Bradman averaged over 100 at Sydney in Test cricket. More recently, Steve Smith — who played his grade cricket at Sydney — has an exceptional record at the SCG, averaging above 70 there in Tests. The ground's relative intimacy (smaller than the MCG or Adelaide Oval) creates a special atmosphere that often lifts players to great performances.