Monday 26 January 2015

Sydney's Top Ten Cricket Grounds for a Friendly Game

Summer in Sydney is the perfect time for people to get outdoors and enjoy a summer of cricket. With Sydney set to host international cricket's most important tournament, The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from 27 February – 26 March 2015, there's no better time to hit the outdoors.

Five matches will be played at the SCG including a clash between Australia and Sri Lanka on 8 March, with the iconic ground also set to host both a quarter final and a semi-final.

For cricket lovers looking to sharpen their own game ahead of the Cricket World Cup, here are ten of the best cricket grounds in Sydney for a friendly match.

Centennial Parklands, Sydney's Eastern Suburbs

Centennial Park is an urban oasis featuring over 189 hectares of open space. It is home to a diverse range of sports fields including cricket grounds perfect for a practice or competitive game amongst friends. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy a picnic in the lush and picturesque park or try out one of the other fields perfect for baseball, hockey, soccer or rugby.

St Leonards Park, North Sydney

St Leonards Park is one the largest parks in North Sydney and is home to one of the oldest cricket grounds in Australia, North Sydney Oval, as well as the Bon Andrews Oval. Featuring cricket nets, a cricket wicket and bowling greens, North Sydney Oval is an ideal spot for a hit. A custom-design playground featuring a music zone with working instruments, a large landscaped sandpit with diggers and conveyor belt and a life-size Snakes and Ladders gamemeans the kids will also be entertained for the whole day too.

Strathfield Park, Strathfield

A local favourite, Strathfield Park offers two synthetic cricket wickets for hire alongside a mix of sports facilities for either structured sports or fun family games. Featuring three cricket and soccer fields, basketball, netball and volleyball courts and large expanses of grass, seating areas and barbeque facilities, the park is the perfect place to spend the day. Three children's playgrounds, public toilets and a kiosk round off the offering.

Jubilee Park, Glebe

Jubliee Oval is nestled within Jubliee Park, one of four parks along the Glebe foreshore featuring more than 17 hectares of lush grass, children's playgrounds, dog-friendly areas and sports fields. The park features a historic cricket pavilion and cricket field available for hire along with modern changing facilities onsite for players. The sports field is also ideal for a game of Australian Rules Football or hockey, while the children's playground is a great spot following a recent upgrade.

Ryde Park, Ryde

The sports field at Ryde Park is the ideal location for a cricket game or two, featuring wide open spaces and a cricket pitch overlooked by barbeque and picnic facilities. The park also houses a great family-friendly café overlooking both the field and the recently upgraded playground. A basketball court and a lovely garden setting complete the picture.

Sydney Park, St Peters

Sydney Park sits south of the city and is a picturesque park recognisable by the historic brick kilns rising up from the park's north-west. The Alan Davidson Oval within the park, is the perfect spot for a cricket game and practice nets are also available. The family can check out the one-of-a-kind playground, cycle, have a barbeque or check out one of the park's cafés.

Alexandria Park, Alexandria

Alexandria Park is a sports lover's paradise with a multipurpose sports field and tennis and basketball courts available for hire. The oval is an ideal spot for a game of cricket whilst the whole family is well catered for with sheltered picnic areas, a fenced children's playground, bicycle parking and off-leash areas for the dog.

Wentworth Park, Ultimo

This popular inner city park features four floodlit fields as well as cricket nets for hire year-round, making it a great spot to practice. A shaded children's playground has the kids covered, along with picnic areas and toilet facilities. The first Sunday of every month also sees an antiques and collectible fair on the grounds.

Rushcutters Bay Park, Rushcutters Bay

Rushcutters Bay Park sits on a prime waterfront location with views back to the city and includes the Reg Bartley Oval. The park caters for a variety of sports including cricket, tennis, rugby union and soccer and is also a great place to enjoy a picnic or a bite to eat in the on-site café.

Turruwul Park, Rosebery

Turruwul Park is a 2.5 hectare expanse featuring a cricket-worthy sports field and cricket nets along with two tennis courts, basketball hoops and a handball wall, making it ideal for the sports inclined. There is also a covered barbecue area and a children's playground for the little ones.

For more information on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, visit www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup.

For more information on Sydney and New South Wales, visit www.sydney.com or www.visitnsw.com.

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