England may be taking on New Zealand at the moment, but for cricket lovers, there are plenty of destinations across the world where they can indulge in their passions.
Barbados
Key pilgrimage site
The Kensington Oval, Bridgetown
For the cricket lover
Barbados has almost certainly produced more great cricketers per capita than any other country. They range from Malcolm Marshall to Sir Garfield Sobers –who has a statue dedicated to him outside the Kensington Oval.
A great time to go is August, when former stars from Barbados and England teach kids skills for free at the Barbados Sports Camp.
And while you’re there…
Barbados is blessed with some great beaches – especially on the West Coast. It also has some high quality all-inclusive resorts – such as the Almond Beach Village – for those who want everything taken care of.
Another highlight is arguably the world’s best rum – see how it’s made on a tour of the Mount Gay Visitor Centre, near the Oval.
Australia
Key pilgrimage site
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
For the cricket lover
The world’s biggest cricket ground was also where the first ever Test Match was played, and going to the cricket at the MCG on Boxing Day is a long-standing Melbourne tradition.
Real aficionados may wish to head to Bowral in New South Wales – it hosts a museum devoted to the greatest cricketer in history, Sir Donald Bradman.
And while you’re there…
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital – there’s almost always something going on in Federation Square.
Meanwhile, it has great excursion opportunities on its doorstep. Foodies should head to the Mornington Peninsula, animal lovers can watch fairy penguins come in from the sea at Philip Island and for scenery it’s hard to beat a drive down the Great Ocean Road.
Sri Lanka
Key pilgrimage site
Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy
For the cricket lover
Arguably the most scenic cricket ground on earth, the Asgiriya Stadium is set amongst the mountains and had to be carved out of a hill in order to make it flat.
In 2007, the ground became the stage for a record-breaking feat when local boy Muttiah Muralitharan broke the world Test wicket-taking record.
And while you’re there…
Kandy is a World Heritage-listed city, and is regarded as sacred by Buddhists. The Temple of the Tooth is the main draw card, but the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya is also gorgeous.
Around the city are plenty of hills for walkers, and tea plantations to visit for those partial to a good cuppa.
South Africa
Key pilgrimage site
Newlands, Cape Town
For the cricket lover
Competing with the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy for the title of prettiest cricket ground in the world, Newlands is in one of Cape Town’s leafiest suburbs, and sits at the foot of the famous Table Mountain. It’s the place to go to for a result – the ground has a track record for producing astonishingly few drawn matches.
And while you’re there…
Getting to the top of Table Mountain is a must – either take the breathtaking cableway or prepare for a long, sweaty hike. Otherwise there’s a bit of everything – great beaches (both for lounging around on and surfing), wine regions nearby and the chance to get out to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.
India
Key pilgrimage site
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
For the cricket lover
As the clamour for the new Indian Premier League testifies, Indian fans love their cricket with an unhinged passion. And the best way to experience quite how mental it gets is to join in with 89,999 others at Eden Gardens. Expect the odd burning effigy if India get hammered.
And while you’re there…
Kolkata is a bit of a sporty city – the Royal Calcutta Golf Club is the second oldest in the world, while scenes at the racecourse almost match those at Eden Gardens.
For history buffs, a visit to the imposing Fort William is a must, while there are palaces of various sizes throughout the city. So much so, in fact, that it is known colloquially as the City of Palaces.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley.
