Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo: History and Key Facts
Learn about the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, a long-standing Test venue known for spin, big partnerships and the 624-run stand of 2006.
Overview
The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, usually shortened to SSC, sits in the Cinnamon Gardens area of Colombo. It is the home ground of the Sinhalese Sports Club, one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Sri Lankan cricket, and it is widely regarded as one of the country’s most historic and best-loved venues.
Alongside the Premadasa Stadium and the P Sara Oval, it is part of the group of Colombo grounds that carry much of Sri Lanka’s home international schedule.
History
The club behind the ground dates back to the late nineteenth century, and its home in Colombo grew into a major first-class venue over the twentieth century. It established itself as a Test ground in the 1980s and has hosted Tests, one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals since. It also served as a venue during World Cups played in Sri Lanka, and domestic cricket is staged there throughout the year.
The record partnership
The ground is best known worldwide for a single innings. In July 2006, against South Africa, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara added 624 runs for the third wicket, then the highest partnership in Test cricket for any wicket. Jayawardene made 374 and Sangakkara 287 in a total of 756 for five declared.
The stand showed what a placid SSC surface can offer a settled batting pair, and it remains one of the best-known records in the game.
Pitch and conditions
SSC pitches have often been good for batting early, with a firm surface that turns as a match wears on. Spin has traditionally played a major role in the later stages, and the humid Colombo climate and the risk of rain are regular factors, particularly during the monsoon months.
The pavilion and surrounding clubhouse give the ground a traditional, club-cricket atmosphere that is different from the larger floodlit stadiums nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What does SSC stand for?
It stands for Sinhalese Sports Club, the club that owns and plays at the ground.
What record is the ground famous for?
Jayawardene and Sangakkara’s 624-run third-wicket partnership against South Africa in 2006.
Is the pitch good for spinners?
It has typically offered turn in the later stages of Tests, though it is often good for batting early on.