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From vintage Eden Gardens to modern Barsapara: Overview of Test venues for SA vs IND

Shreyasi

Eden Gardens and Barsapara Cricket Stadium [Source: AFP Photos]Eden Gardens and Barsapara Cricket Stadium [Source: AFP Photos]

For the two-match ‘Freedom Series’ between India and South Africa, the BCCI has chosen a couple of interesting venues in Eastern India- Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The Indian cricket board has selected two such venues that represent two extreme spectrums, with respect to historical legacy and modern facilities.

Eden Gardens: The unmatched legacy and history of Indian cricket

The Eden Gardens is one of the most hallowed Test grounds in the world. This stadium, renowned for its rich heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and passionate fans, is often mentioned alongside revered venues like Lord’s and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The ground was established in 1864, thirteen years before the first ever Test match played at MCG. It started organizing matches in the early part of the twentieth century and had its first taste of Test cricket in 1934 when the MCC team, led by Douglas Jardine, played their second Test match during their first tour of India.

Since the Bombay Gymkhana, the site of the first Test in India, never hosted another Test match, the Eden Gardens has become the oldest active Test venue in India.

Over the years, Eden Gardens has hosted 42 Test matches, the highest number of men’s Test matches in the country. It has been part of some of the most memorable matches, including the famous 2001 Test match against Steve Waugh-led Australia. The ground continued its legacy in 2019 when it became India’s first venue to host a Day-Night Test match. 

In fact, Eden will host a Test match after a six-year hiatus since the Pink Ball Test. With a capacity of 68,000, Eden Gardens is currently the second-largest cricket ground in India, second only to the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

South Africa’s connection to Eden Gardens

When South Africa returned to international cricket at Eden Gardens [Source: X]When South Africa returned to international cricket at Eden Gardens [Source: X]

South Africa share a significant history with Eden Gardens too. In 1991, when they were readmitted to international cricket after a long hiatus following the end of Apartheid, Eden Gardens was the venue for their comeback ODI. They returned for another memorable match a couple of years later in the Hero Cup semifinal, only to be defeated by India, followed by a magical spell by Sachin Tendulkar.

Furthermore, South Africa also won their first-ever Test match at Eden Gardens in 1996. South Africa generally enjoy the true nature of the pitch at Eden. This time too, they will look forward to a balanced wicket that offers assistance to both batters and bowlers and may provide some spin from day three onwards.

Barsapara Cricket Stadium: India’s newest cricket frontier

Barsapara Cricket Stadium is the second international venue in Assam. The first venue, Nehru Stadium in Guwahati, organized 14 men’s ODIs from 1983 to 2010, and a few Women’s ODIs.

Established in 2012, the official name of the Barsapara Cricket Stadium is Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium. It is now the official cricket ground for the Assam Cricket Association. Despite Assam not having an IPL team from the state, this has been a regular venue in the Indian Premier League for the last few years. Rajasthan Royals choose to play some of their home matches every season at this modern stadium, which has a capacity of nearly fifty thousand spectators.

IPL at Barsapara Cricket Stadium [Source: X]IPL at Barsapara Cricket Stadium [Source: X]

What to expect from India's newest Test venue?

After hosting two ODIs and four T20Is to date, the venue is now preparing for its first-ever Test match. Being situated in the north-east part of the country, this can throw some unique challenges for both teams. To start with, the game will have a revised match timing.

It will begin at 9:00 AM- half an hour earlier than the usual match start time at other Indian venues- to make full use of the sunlight. The teams may take a brief 20-minute break at 11:00 AM and a full lunch break at 1:20 PM, differing from other venues.

The early start means more favourable conditions for the seamers. With both teams having bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada in their ranks, it will not be an easy task for the batters. Hence, the toss will play a significant role in the match.

Eden Gardens is India’s second Test venue, while Barsapara Cricket Stadium is going to be the 30th. Over the next fortnight, both venues promise fascinating cricket in two upcoming Test matches. One is ready to offer the vintage charm of cricket in India, whereas the other is ready to captivate the imagination of new-age cricket fans.