Sophia Gardens, Cardiff: Cricket Ground History and Guide

Overview

Sophia Gardens is the main cricket ground in Cardiff, set beside the River Taff and Bute Park in the Welsh capital. It is the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, the only first-class county in Wales.

Glamorgan moved there in the 1960s after playing at other Cardiff grounds, and it has since been redeveloped for international cricket.

The 2009 Ashes Test

Sophia Gardens became a Test venue in 2009, when it staged the opening Test of the Ashes series between England and Australia. The match ended in a draw, with England’s last pair, James Anderson and Monty Panesar, batting out the final overs to deny Australia victory.

The ground also hosted a Test against Sri Lanka in 2011, along with one-day and Twenty20 internationals, and games in the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup.

The Hundred and Welsh cricket

The ground is the home of Welsh Fire, the men’s and women’s teams from Wales in The Hundred, which began in 2021. That has brought more mixed audiences to the venue.

Glamorgan have also used Sophia Gardens for T20 Blast and County Championship cricket for many years.

Pitch and conditions

Pitches at Sophia Gardens have often helped seam bowlers and have offered carry to fast bowlers, though they can become easier for batting in good weather. Cloud and a damp climate can influence the first session of a match.

Check Glamorgan Cricket for the latest fixture information.