The Adelaide Oval is one of the oldest cricket grounds located in Adelaide in the state of South Australia.
Established in 1873, the Adelaide Oval is considered to be one of cricket's most picturesque Test venues and has a seating capacity of more than 50,000.
Along with the Australian cricket team, it is home to South Australia in domestic cricket and Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The Adelaide Oval staged its first international cricket match, a Test played between arch-rivals Australia and England in December 1884. Under the leadership of Arthur Shrewsbury, Australia won the Test by eight wickets.
Since then, it has hosted more than 80 Test matches so far. With that being said, let’s have a look at Adelaide Oval Test records and stats.
Adelaide Oval Test records and stats
Highest total
The Australia cricket team recorded the highest total at the Adelaide Oval in Test cricket. During the fourth Test of India’s tour of Australia in January 1948, the Donald Bradman-led hosts posted a mammoth total of 674 in their first innings. Captain Donald Bradman led from the front with a scintillating double century (201), along with hundreds from Lindsay Hassett (198 not out) and Sid Barnes (112) helped Australia register a record Test total at the venue. Australia later bowled out India for 381 and 277 in their two innings to win the Adelaide Test by an innings and 16 runs.
Lowest total
The India cricket team registered the lowest total at the Adelaide Oval in Test cricket. During the first Test of India’s tour of Australia in December 2020, the visitors were bundled out for 36 in their second innings in Adelaide. Mayank Agarwal top-scored (9) for India as not a single batter reached double digits. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood bagged five wickets while Pat Cummins picked up four wickets as India recorded their lowest total in Test cricket history. Earlier, India were bowled out for 244 in their first innings and later skittled out Australia for 191. Chasing 90 in the fourth innings, the Tim Paine-led Australia chased down the target in 21 overs to secure an eight-wicket win in Adelaide.
Most runs
Former Australia cricket team captain Ricky Ponting scored the most runs at this ground in cricket’s longest format in Adelaide. Between 1996 and 2012, Ricky Ponting amassed 1,743 runs in 16 Test matches at an average of 60.10. The right-handed batter slammed six centuries and as many fifties at the Adelaide Oval in Test cricket. Legendary Australia cricketer Allan Border features second on the list with 1,415 runs in 16 matches at an average of 58.95 with four hundreds and nine half-centuries to his name.
Most wickets
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has picked up the most wickets at the Adelaide Oval in Test cricket. The right-arm off-spinner has claimed 63 wickets in just 13 matches at an average of 25.26 between 2012 and 2024. He has recorded two four-wicket hauls and four fifers at this venue in Adelaide in Test cricket. Legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne is second on the list with 56 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 30.44.
Highest individual score
Former Australia cricketer David Warner registered the highest individual score at the Adelaide Oval in Tests. Opening the batting, David Warner slammed an unbeaten 335 against Pakistan in the first innings of the second Test in Adelaide in November 2019. Warner’s magnificent triple century was laced with 39 fours and one six to help Australia post 589/3d. Under the leadership of Tim Paine, Australia later bowled out Pakistan for 302 and 239 in their two innings to win the Test by an innings and 48 runs.
Best bowling figures in an innings
Albert Trott, who played Test cricket for both Australia and England, recorded the best bowling figures in an innings of a Test at this venue in January 1895. Albert Trott registered match-winning figures of 8/43 to help Australia bowl out England for 143 in their second innings. Defending 526 in the fourth innings, Albert Trott dismissed England’s Archie MacLaren, Albert Ward, Jack Brown, Bill Brockwell, Bobby Peel, Francis Ford, Johnny Briggs and Bill Lockwood to guide Australia to a massive 382-run victory in Adelaide.
Best bowling figures in a match
Former Australia cricketer Clarrie Grimmett holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test match at the Adelaide Oval in Test cricket. Clarrie Grimmett bagged 14 wickets during the fourth Test of South Africa’s tour of Australia in 1932. While Grimmett picked up seven wickets for 116 runs in the first innings, the leg-spinner claimed seven more wickets for 83 runs in the second innings. Grimmett’s brilliant bowling performance helped Australia win the Test by 10 wickets.
Highest partnership
Former Australia cricketers Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke recorded the highest partnership at the Adelaide Oval in Test cricket. During the fourth Test of India’s tour of Australia in January 2012, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke forged a massive 386-run stand for the fourth wicket to power Australia to 604/7d in their first innings. Ricky Ponting slammed 221 while Michael Clarke scored 210. The incredible partnership helped Australia secure a 298-run win in Adelaide.
Photo credit: Imago
