The Oval

Kennington Oval, generally known as The Oval, is an international cricket ground in Kennington, south London. It was opened in 1845 by the Montpelier Cricket Club on part of Kennington Common, which had itself hosted top-class cricket since 1724. Soon afterwards, it became the home ground of the Surrey team. The Oval stages international and county cricket on a regular basis. The first-ever Test match in England was played at The Oval in September 1880. In 1882, the ground staged the famous "Ashes Match". England play at least one Test at The Oval every year, traditionally the last of the season, in addition to other international matches. The ground is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, and Surrey County Cricket Club is a long-term tenant there. Surrey use The Oval for most of their home matches in the County Championship and other domestic competitions. The ground has a seating capacity of 27,500. References