Mitcham Cricket Green

Mitcham Cricket Green is a cricket ground in Mitcham, south London (historically in Surrey). It is the home of Mitcham Cricket Club and is reportedly the oldest cricket ground still in use, having been used for cricket since 1685.^[1]

History

In the 19th century, the Australian cricket team would stay at the Cricketers pub which overlooks the green and practise on the green whilst on tour. The pub also held the changing rooms for the club during the late 18th century, with the scorer having a position on the balcony of the inn. The present pavilion was built in 1904 and is unique in being the only cricket pavilion to be separated from the ground by a road, (the A239). ^[2]

Surrey CCC first used the ground in 1949 for Surrey 2nd XI v Essex 2nd XI in the Minor Counties Championship. Surrey continued to use the ground for 2nd XI matches until 1973. Its first usage in the Second XI Championship was for the Surrey 2nd XI v Gloucestershire 2nd XI match in 1959. Surrey has never used Mitcham for a first-class match.

The most notable match of recent times was the Golden Jubilee Challenge Match, a match held between Mitcham and Hambledon Club, the two oldest clubs in the country, in honour of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Ian Botham made a guest appearance with the Queen's Jubilee Baton. The match was a two innings affair.^[1]

Local government

The Cricket Green also lends its name to the nearby area, and is a Conservation area and council ward.^[3]

References

External links

• From Lads to Lord's; The History of Cricket: 1300 – 1787
• CricketArchive – Mitcham Cricket Green

Bibliography

• Waghorn, H T (1899). Cricket Scores, Notes, &c. From 1730-1773. Edinburgh & London: William Blackwood & Sons. 
• Waghorn, H T. The Dawn of Cricket. London: Marylebone Cricket Club. 
• Buckley, G B (1935). Fresh Light on 18th Century Cricket. Birmingham: Cotterell & Co..