Australian Venues for 2010 / 2011 Ashes Test

Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Queensland

Built: 1895

Capacity: 40,000

A suburb of Brisbane, Woolloongabba, is home to the Brisbane Cricket Ground and is known throughout the cricket world as The Gabba. The Gabba was once famous for its grassy banks, but in recent years extensive work has taken place to produce a modern stadium with excellent facilities. The playing surface is true with good bounce and proved a happy hunting ground for Shane Warne in the past.

Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, South Australia

Built: 1873

Capacity: 31,000

With St Peter's Cathedral in the background and nestled among the gardens and trees of North Adelaide, the Adelaide Oval is regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing test grounds in world cricket. A unique characteristic of the ground is its authentic oval shape, resulting in sixes square of the wicket proving far more common than those struck straight. An excellent batting strip is usually guaranteed.

WACA, East Perth, Western Australia

Built: 1893

Capacity: 24,500

WACA stands for Western Australia Cricket Association and it held its first test match in the 1970-71 Ashes series. The heat in Perth can be intimidating but the breeze that glides in from the Swan River each afternoon tempers the temperature. This relief is known locally as the Fremantle Doctor. Historically known as a fast, hard, bouncy surface, recent seasons has seen a more temperate pitch produced.

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jolimont, Victoria

Built: 1854

Capacity: 100,000

The huge MCG traditionally hosts the Boxing Day (26 December) test when attendances in six figures are common. It is seen as Australia's leading sporting venue and hosts many of the county's biggest cricket and Australian Rules Football games. Although pitches can be bland, it has seen many tense and exciting contests.

Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park, New South Wales

Built: 1848

Capacity: 44,000

A venue full of character, the Sydney Cricket Ground is among the most famous in the world. The infamous hill is no longer there but it still retains a unique character. Home for the final test of the Ashes series, it remains conducive to spin and is almost guaranteed to provide a tense thrilling finale.