Bellerive Oval, Hobart: Tasmania’s Home of Cricket by the Derwent

Bellerive Oval is the main cricket ground in Tasmania. Located on the eastern shore of the River Derwent, with views across the water to Hobart and Mount Wellington, it is one of the most picturesque grounds in Australia.

History

The ground has long been the centre of cricket in the Hobart area, and it became the home of the Tasmanian state team. Tasmania joined the Sheffield Shield in the late 1970s, and as the team grew in standing the ground was developed to meet the standards of first-class and international cricket.

Bellerive staged its first Test match in 1989, when Australia played Sri Lanka. It has since hosted both Tests and one-day internationals, and it is a regular venue on the Australian summer calendar. In the Big Bash League it is the home ground of the Hobart Hurricanes.

The ground and the pitch

Bellerive is a mid-sized ground by Australian standards, with a capacity of around 20,000. The pitch has traditionally offered something for pace bowlers, with movement and bounce in the early part of a match, and batters can score freely once they are settled. Cool weather and a breeze from the Derwent can help swing bowlers, and conditions in Tasmania are generally cooler than on the Australian mainland.

Memorable matches

One of the best-known matches at Bellerive was the 2016 Test between Australia and South Africa, when the home side were bowled out for 85 on the first day and went on to lose, a result that led to major changes in Australia’s selection. The ground has also been the scene of lively limited-overs games, including World Cup fixtures and Big Bash matches in front of strong local crowds.

Tasmanian cricket has produced notable players such as Ricky Ponting, who made his name playing at the ground before becoming one of Australia’s great batters, and the venue is closely linked to the story of the state team’s rise.

Why it matters

For fans, Bellerive combines good cricket with a distinctive setting. Its Test status has sometimes been the subject of discussion, because Hobart is a smaller market than some other host cities, but it remains one of the most popular grounds with players and followers. It also plays an important role for grassroots cricket in Tasmania, giving young players a venue to aspire to.

Schedules and facilities can change from season to season, so those planning to attend a match should check the latest fixtures and ground information.