The Oval and World War II

The Oval, at Kennington in South London, Oval has been the home ground of Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845. It was here that the first-ever Test match in England was played – on March 6, 1880. It was a Test in which the legendary WG Grace scored 152 opening the innings for England. Australia, in reply, were all out for three runs fewer than what WG Grace scored! The England team also included two of WG’s brothers — Edward Grace and Fred Grace.

England went on to win the Test by five wickets.

In 1844, the Kennington Oval was a market garden. And during World War II, The Oval was was then transformed prisoner of war camp for enemy parachutists. However, no parachutists landed and hence it was never put to use.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source