Galle International Cricket Stadium
‘With a historic Dutch-built fort as its backdrop and views of the ocean, Galle has frequently been described as one of the most beautiful grounds in the world.' – BBC Sports News
Inaugurated as a race course in 1876, the racing ceased eventually and it was first officially declared a cricket stadium in 1927. Since then the stadium has hosted a hundred different matches and made as well as broken records of international standard players from around the world. The Galle International Stadium is a shining beacon in every Sri Lankan heart. It is not only an international icon but has hosted many historic games that have helped evolve Sri Lanka to its current position as a cricket deity.
The ground at the Galle cricket stadium favours spin bowling and hence are favourable to the Sri Lankan team which has a good batting line up against spin bowlers as well as a number of talented spin bowlers. Winning 7 out of 13 test matches, the statistics support this belief. The distance between the wicket and boundary is 75 yards and the ground spans an area of 4.216 hectares of blue grass. The stadium also supports four outdoor practice nets as well as three indoor nets.
Among the many historical dates associated with the stadium are, 29th February 1984 when it hosted its preliminary first-class match, 1945 when a turf wicket was first introduced and after it was upgraded to its international standards, 3rd June 1998 when Sri Lanka and New Zealand battled it out on the wicket at the first international test match held where the home team emerged victorious. The first ODI was scheduled to be played between India and Sri Lanka in June 1998 but was cancelled last minute due to rains. Muttiah Muralitharan, a Sri Lankan cricket deity bowled his 800th test wicket and celebrated his final test match in 2010 at the same stadium where he started it all off. Australian world class cricketer Shane Warne also bowled his 500th test wicket in 2004 at the Galle international stadium.
Though destroyed beyond almost repair by the Dec. 26th tsunami in 2004, it served the people of its nation as a refugee camp for survivors. Amid many trials and tribulations it was finally restored in 2008 with the help of international aid and especially the support of Shane Warne and Ian Botham to welcome the English cricket tea.
Boutique Hotels in Galle is situated within the historical fort which is only a 5 min. walk from the Galle International Stadium. One will find beautiful Galle Villas with their unique touch of elegance scattered about the city. Galle Heritage Villa By Jetwing with its scenic location ensures a most comfortable stay.
Inaugurated as a race course in 1876, the racing ceased eventually and it was first officially declared a cricket stadium in 1927. Since then the stadium has hosted a hundred different matches and made as well as broken records of international standard players from around the world. The Galle International Stadium is a shining beacon in every Sri Lankan heart. It is not only an international icon but has hosted many historic games that have helped evolve Sri Lanka to its current position as a cricket deity.
The ground at the Galle cricket stadium favours spin bowling and hence are favourable to the Sri Lankan team which has a good batting line up against spin bowlers as well as a number of talented spin bowlers. Winning 7 out of 13 test matches, the statistics support this belief. The distance between the wicket and boundary is 75 yards and the ground spans an area of 4.216 hectares of blue grass. The stadium also supports four outdoor practice nets as well as three indoor nets.
Among the many historical dates associated with the stadium are, 29th February 1984 when it hosted its preliminary first-class match, 1945 when a turf wicket was first introduced and after it was upgraded to its international standards, 3rd June 1998 when Sri Lanka and New Zealand battled it out on the wicket at the first international test match held where the home team emerged victorious. The first ODI was scheduled to be played between India and Sri Lanka in June 1998 but was cancelled last minute due to rains. Muttiah Muralitharan, a Sri Lankan cricket deity bowled his 800th test wicket and celebrated his final test match in 2010 at the same stadium where he started it all off. Australian world class cricketer Shane Warne also bowled his 500th test wicket in 2004 at the Galle international stadium.
Though destroyed beyond almost repair by the Dec. 26th tsunami in 2004, it served the people of its nation as a refugee camp for survivors. Amid many trials and tribulations it was finally restored in 2008 with the help of international aid and especially the support of Shane Warne and Ian Botham to welcome the English cricket tea.
Boutique Hotels in Galle is situated within the historical fort which is only a 5 min. walk from the Galle International Stadium. One will find beautiful Galle Villas with their unique touch of elegance scattered about the city. Galle Heritage Villa By Jetwing with its scenic location ensures a most comfortable stay.
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