Surrey County Cricket Club play at The Oval

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"I have really fond memories of playing Test and county cricket in this country but none better than making a hundred at The Oval and winning the series" - Anil Kumble.

Despite not having the aura of Lord's, the Oval, which is the home of Surrey County Cricket Club, has a rich history stretching back to 1845.

It was here that the first-ever Test match was played in England, WG Grace's century in September 1880 not enough to stave off a five-wicket defeat at the hands of the Australians.

The Oval is also the ground where the Ashes were born when, in 1882, England failed to chase 85 for victory, sparking 'the death of English cricket' in The Sporting Times. More recently it was where England famously won the Ashes in 2005.

Aside from cricket, the Oval staged the first FA Cup Final in 1872, first England international and the first England v Wales and England v Scotland rugby internationals.

The Oval underwent a £25 million facelift in 2004, resulting in the impressive OCS Stand at the Vauxhall End of the ground. There are four more stands - Peter May, Lock, Laker and Bedser - while the huge pavilion pierces the London sky.

The ground is also famous for its green gas canister, which sits at fine leg if the bowler is coming from the Pavilion End.

Individual records:
Test matches
Highest score: 364, Len Hutton v Australia, 1938
Best bowling: 9-57, Devon Malcolm v South Africa, 1994

One-day internationals
Highest score: 145 not out, Nathan Astle v USA, 2004
Best bowling: 5-26, Ronnie Irani v India, 2002