Old Trafford Ground Stats | What Do Numbers Suggest?

image-lk45u911Ben Stokes alongside Pat Cummins after Headingley Test (AP Photo)

A riveting Ashes series moves to Old Trafford, Manchester for the fourth of five Tests, beginning on Wednesday, July 19. Visitors Australia head into the encounter with a 2-1 lead, having won the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord's respectively, only for England to roar back with victory in the third Test in Leeds. The hosts are on the offensive, knowing that only victory will do for their chances, given that a draw would ensure that Australia retain the Ashes urn.

With the series on the line, it is fitting that the historic ground of Old Trafford in Manchester plays its part. Located south of the Manchester City Centre, it shares its name with the famed football ground. It opened in 1857 as the home of the Manchester Cricket Club and has been home to Lancashire Country Cricket Club since 1864.


Old Trafford, Manchester, Ground stats 

As England’s second oldest Test venue after The Oval, Old Trafford boasts a rich history. In fact, it hosted the first Ashes Test in England in 1884 and has been hosting Test matches ever since. However, it is hosting a Test match after almost a year. The last Test played at this venue was between England and South Africa in August 2022, which the hosts won comprehensively by an innings and 85 runs.

In all, this historic ground has hosted 84 Test matches, of which the home side has featured in 82, winning 32; losing 15; and drawing 35. Australia have played 31 matches at this venue, winning nine; losing seven; and drawing 15 times. The ground seems to favour teams that bat first, which has won 32 times, as compared to those bowling first, which have won 16 times.

The highest total recorded at the venue was in fact by Australia, who racked up a mammoth 656/8 against England in July 1964. The ignominy of the lowest total posted at this venue belongs to India, who were skittled out for 58 by the home side in July 1952.

Old Trafford being the venue for the fourth match will be of particular importance to one English player in particular. This is the home ground of James Anderson, England’s highest wicket-taker in the five-day format, who has an end named after him here. Formerly named the Pavillion End, it was changed to the James Anderson End honour the veteran pacer in 2017. Having sat out the third Test, Anderson will be raring to be unleashed against the Australians on home turf.