Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne’s favourite architectural icon has played host to an Olympics, a Commonwealth Games, the Pope and Madonna. Now it’s your turn.
Built in 1853, Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of cricket’s venerable old ladies. Despite being well in to her second century she looks more magnificent than ever. The ‘G’, as she’s known locally, is the tenth largest sporting arena in the world. Capable of hosting 100,000 spectators in spectacular tiered terracing, the MCG has an atmosphere all of its own. More than 100 test matches may have been played here but Aussie Rules Football is a more regular visitor.
For many though, it is the MCG’s Boxing Day Ashes test which has provided many of sport’s most vivid memories. No wonder the MCG is also home to Australia’s National Sports Museum!
Great Ashes moments at the ‘G’
98 all out
26 December 2010. It was the day England effectively retained the Ashes. In an awesome display of pack bowling, England ruthlessly demolish Australia and silence 90,000 baying fans. A grisly collapse for one, a glorious victory for the other – the ‘G’ at its best.
You have been Warned
Sporting legend Shane Warne clean bowls Andrew Strauss for his 700th test wicket on Boxing Day 2006. Combining skill with impeccable timing it was probably the defining moment of Warnie’s career. He had announced that he would retire at the end of the series.
