The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world and among the oldest Test venues still in use. Known for its rich history and balanced playing surface, SCG offers a unique challenge for both batters and bowlers. From hosting the legendary “New Year Test” every January to witnessing unforgettable moments in ODIs and T20Is, this ground remains a cherished part of Australian cricket culture.
The stadium is located at Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and was established in 1851, with its current form taking shape in 1886. It can accommodate around 48,000 spectators and is known for its traditional atmosphere, short square boundaries, and long straight hits. The two bowling ends are Paddington End (Northern End) and Randwick End (Southern End).
Below is the detailed overview and pitch information for the SCG.
Overview of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Also Known As | SCG |
| Opened | 1851 (Established) / 1886 (Current form) |
| Capacity | Approximately 48,000 |
| Shortest Boundary Distance | Approximately 68 meters (Square Boundaries) |
| Longest Boundary Distance | Approximately 80 meters (Straight Boundary) |
| Bowling Ends | Paddington End (Northern End), Randwick End (Southern End) |
| Highest ODI Total | 389/4 by Australia vs India (2020) |
| Lowest ODI Total | 63 by India vs Australia (1980/81) |
| Flood Lights | Yes |
| Pitch Nature | Generally good for batting; spin-friendly surface (Bulli soil) |
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Pitch Report
Venue Description:
The Sydney Cricket Ground is one of the oldest and most prestigious cricket venues globally. It hosted its first Test match — an Ashes encounter between Australia and England — way back in 1882. Over the years, it has become synonymous with the “New Year Test” that begins every January. Apart from Tests, SCG has also been a regular ODI venue, hosting several World Cup matches, including the 1992 World Cup semi-final.
The ground holds a special place in cricket history as the site of Sir Don Bradman’s highest first-class score (452 runs) for New South Wales against Queensland in 1928-29.
How Does the Pitch Play?
The SCG pitch is typically known for being batting-friendly, offering consistent bounce and carry early in the match. However, unlike the bouncy Gabba or the fast-paced WACA, Sydney’s surface tends to assist spinners as the match progresses, especially on days 4 and 5 of a Test. The presence of Bulli soil makes it the most spin-friendly wicket in Australia.
In white-ball formats, the pitch usually provides a balance — rewarding batters for timing and bowlers for disciplined lines. Scores between 160–180 in T20s and 280–320 in ODIs are considered competitive.
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Overall Ground Records
| Format | Total Matches | Won Batting 1st | Won Batting 2nd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 115 | 47 | 44 |
| One-Day Internationals (ODIs) | 168 | 96 | 64 |
| Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) | 23 | 14 | 8 |
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test Records
| Stats | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 115 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 47 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 44 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 316 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 310 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score | 248 |
| Average 4th Innings Score | 169 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 705/7 (187.3 Ov) by India vs Australia |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 42/10 (37.3 Ov) by Australia vs England |
| Highest Score Chased | 288/2 (60.3 Ov) by Australia vs South Africa |
| Lowest Score Defended | 97/10 (107 Ov) by Australia vs England |
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) ODI Records
| Stats | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 168 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 96 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 64 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 224 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 189 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 408/5 (50 Ov) by South Africa vs West Indies |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 63/10 (25.5 Ov) by India vs Australia |
| Highest Score Chased | 334/8 (49.2 Ov) by Australia vs England |
| Lowest Score Defended | 101/9 (30 Ov) by Australia vs West Indies |
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) T20I Records
| Stats | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 23 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 14 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 8 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 161 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 130 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 221/5 (20 Ov) by Australia vs England |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 101/10 (16.3 Ov) by Bangladesh vs South Africa |
| Highest Score Chased | 200/3 (20 Ov) by India vs Australia |
| Lowest Score Defended | 134/5 (20 Ov) by Australia Women vs South Africa Women |
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Weather Report for October 25, 2025
| Location | Weather | Temperature | Precipitation | Chance of Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney (Moore Park) | Cloudy, partly clearing later | 23°C (High) / 17°C (Low) | 10% | Low |
The weather in Sydney for Saturday, October 25, 2025, is expected to be partly cloudy with minimal chances of rain. The temperature will range between 17°C and 23°C, and winds around 24 km/h from the north are expected. Overall, conditions look good for uninterrupted play during the 3rd ODI between Australia and India.
FAQ
Q.1 What is the seating capacity of the Sydney Cricket Ground?
Ans. The SCG can accommodate approximately 48,000 spectators.
Q.2 What is the boundary size of the SCG?
Ans. The shortest boundary at SCG is around 68 meters (square), while the longest boundary is about 80 meters (straight).
Q.3 Why is the SCG known as a spin-friendly surface?
Ans. The SCG uses Bulli soil, which offers natural grip and turn, making it the most spin-friendly wicket in Australia.
Q.4 When was the first Test match played at the SCG?
Ans. The first Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground was played in 1882, between Australia and England.
