St Clair Oval
25,000
Yes, 2008
Brian Lara Pavilion End, Media Centre End
Trinidad & Tobago
Grass since 1954
18:28, Thu Mar 28, 2024 (UTC -0400)
Queen's Park Oval
 

Records and statistics

West Indies v England - Feb 1-6, 1930 Scorecard
West Indies v India - Jul 20-24, 2023 Scorecard
Test records | Results | High totals | High scores | Most runs | Best bowling | Most wickets | Partnerships | Statsguru
West Indies v India - Mar 9, 1983 Scorecard
West Indies v India - Jul 27, 2022 Scorecard
ODI records | Results | High totals | High scores | Most runs | Best bowling | Most wickets | Partnerships | Statsguru
West Indies v England - Mar 15, 2009 Scorecard
West Indies v Pakistan - Apr 2, 2017 Scorecard
T20I records | Results | High totals | High scores | Most runs | Best bowling | Most wickets | Partnerships | Statsguru
Records index

Profile

Queen's Park Oval is generally thought of as the most picturesque of the old grounds in the West Indies. It is also the largest, accommodating 25,000 spectators in comfort. Home of the Queen's Park Cricket Club (QPCC) since 1896, it hosted the English teams touring the West Indies early in 1897 one under Lord Hawke, the other under Arthur Priestley. The capacity of the ground has made it most profitable (holding at least 7000 more than any other ground in the West Indies). The pavilion was erected in 1896 and by and large, remained unchanged until 1952 when it was replaced by a two-tiered structure. Natural turf was used in the early years for matches. However, damage cased by the mole-cricket in the soil rendered it impossible to prepare turf pitches. For forty years thereafter, a clay strip was used, over which matting was laid. The final Test played on matting was in 1954 when West Indies scored 681 for 8 and England 537 in reply. Within three months, the pitch had been removed and efforts were underway to replace the centre square with turf.

Queen's Park has been described as a classic ground with breathtaking backdrops, most notably, the northern hills. No section of the crowd captures the spirit of Trinidad than the 'Concrete Stand', renamed the Learie Constantine Stand. The fans are avid followers of the game, excitable and generally enjoy their cricket, led by a character affectionately known as 'Blue Food'.

While it has witnessed some dramatic performances by West Indies - it was here that England were blown away for 46 in 1994-95 - it has also staged some lows. In 1967-68 Garry Sobers's generous declaration allowed England to win by seven wickets, and in doing so level the series, while in 1976-77 India scored a then record 406 for 4 to beat Clive Lloyd's side.

Like most grounds in the region, it underwent a facelift ahead of the 2007 World Cup.
Cricinfo staff

Latest Photos

Same old, same old rain in Port-of-Spain, West Indies vs India, 2nd men's Test, Trinidad, 5th day, July 24, 2023
Same old, same old rain
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Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja walk out on the second morning, West Indies vs India, 2nd Test, Port-of-Spain, 2nd day, July 21, 2023
Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja walk out on the second morning
© AFP/Getty Images
The fans in Port of Spain were thrilled with West Indies' seven-wicket win, West Indies v Pakistan, 3rd T20I, Port of Spain, April 1, 2017
The fans in Port of Spain were thrilled with West Indies' seven-wicket win
© AFP
Groundstaff attempt to dry the outfield, Trinidad & Tobago v Leeward Islands, WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4 Day Tournament, Port of Spain, 3rd day, November 27, 2016
Groundstaff attempt to dry the outfield
© WICB Media/Ashley Allen
 
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