Just catching up with the thread. Same as you, I've been to them all except The Oval and I concur with your rankings.
Headingley is great, I was so lucky to be there the day we beat the Aussies with Stokes and Leach winning the game. Best atmosphere and day of any sporting events I've been to, doubt that will ever be surpassed for me.
Over at Edgbaston next Friday, cant wait. All I ask is for good weather!!
Yes, also more or less agree with the ground rankings.
Love Headingley, especially the view and facilities in the new rugby ground end.
I’d have the Oval in next. Does feel like the action is miles away no matter where you are sitting as it’s so expansive, but… big city / ground feel, great food and bar options, had a real good time when I took my son for his first game (India v Aus - superb curry on offer), they’ve done some cool stuff with the screening of the Vauxhall End. Easy access by public transport too.
Edgbaston always been great though, probably my fault, I’ve always found it a drag to get to / from. Likely improved now and I’d love to go back.
Old Trafford I’ve got a soft spot for so won’t see it in last position. Been a while since I’ve been there, in fact the square was still pointing the other way. Last day I attended was most memorable for seeing Peter Such complete six wickets for England in the morning. Some fat kid bowled another fat bloke in the afternoon but I forget who…
Trent Bridge I was very much looking forward to based on numerous good reviews in general and a positive local rep where I now live (Agnew country). It was nice, but a bit disappointing. No big ground feel, all a bit polite, some stands ‘below’ the pitch and laid out in a way the kills the atmosphere. Likely an unfair review based on one trip! It’s in West Bridgeford not the centre, although Nottingham city is also overrated in general anyway.
I’m not counting Durham and Cardiff as real test grounds, though I’ve done a few games at the former and it’s a nice set up, but lacking the location of a proper ground. I preferred Durham when they played at Feethams and the football crowd had to walk round the boundary to get to the game. My Dad once diverted us from an A1 journey home to see Durham win a county game here - with time running out Tim Boon took the last few wickets. This actually happened and passed for high excitement in the pre T20 era I still live in.
The Rose Bowl - no thanks.
