The Kia Young Journalist competition - VOTE NOW!

We want you to help choose the best entry from our Young Journalist competition - run with Kia

Kia is offering young journalists aged 18-25 the dream opportunity to interview Kumar Sangakkara - and the contest has now been whittled down to a final five.

Participants submitted an article of up to 250 words on their favourite cricketing moment at the Kia Oval and the top five articles were shortlisted by The Cricketer team.

Now, we want you to vote for your favourite young writer who will get to interview Kumar Sangakkara ahead of the England v Sri Lanka third Test match at the Kia Oval.

The article resulting from the interview will then be published on our website on Thursday, September 5 - and feature in and upcoming issue of The Cricketer magazine.

The articles of the shortlisted young writers are below, and you can vote for your favourite at the bottom of this page.

Article 1 – Oliver Shouksmith

The scene was set, the anticipation at its highest, England vs South Africa, the first game of a home World Cup with England as favourites. Eoin Morgan’s white-ball revolution now faced its final test, could they live up to the expectations of a nation?

The early signs would say no with Jonny Bairstow dismissed first ball by Imran Tahir, a tactical masterstroke by Faf Du Plessis, anticipated by none. Half-centuries from Jason Roy, Joe Root and captain Morgan steadied the ship before a destructive 89 from Ben Stokes led England to a challenging total of 311.

Early wickets from new sensation Jofra Archer put the fans in a positive mood but it was a moment of sheer brilliance from Stokes that would ignite the nation into a cricketing frenzy. One which would culminate with a Lords super over and an Oscar-worthy ashes series.

Adil Rashid was the bowler, Andile Phehlukwayo the batter, Nasser Hussain the commentator. Phehlukwayo swept out to deep mid-wicket and the rest is history. “Is it gonna go over his head, oh, no way, no, no way, you cannot do that Ben Stokes” a now infamous line of commentary to describe an act of sporting heroism.

Having originally misjudged the flight path of the ball, Stokes was forced to backtrack and launch himself into the air, sticking out his right hand to hold one of the greatest catches of all time and complete my favourite moment at the Kia Oval.

Article 2 – Markus Conneely

The ball made contact with Steve Smith's bat. In the year 2019, that ordinarily meant the ball was hurtling towards the boundary. Only, this time things were different. England had a plan.

Broad (who else) was the bowler, searching for the wicket that would rip the heart out of Australia’s chase of 399 on day four in Kennington. His harassment of David Warner, Australia’s other primary threat, was legendary. “But Steve Smith?”, the crowd seemed to hum to themselves collectively. He had just scored his 774th run for the series; though it went on to be his last.

It felt like we’d never get him out, that year. Every Broad delivery to Smith appeared too full, or too short, or too wide. And then, out of nowhere, came a ball just right. The proud seam on the ball darted towards Smith’s torso, who could muster merely an instinctive glance.

"A canny deflection from Smith, gosh he is some player," I thought to myself.

But wait, there is a man at leg slip. Not any man, Ben Stokes, enjoying his own dance with the divine in 2019. Of course, the catch was snaffled. The nation was overcome with equal parts disbelief and unbridled joy.

If the Western Terrace at Headingly 3 weeks earlier claimed the accolade of being 2019’s loudest cheer, this moment was a close second.

Because, in that moment, I knew, we all knew that Smith was done and the series was saved. And that was something to celebrate.

Article 3 – Scott Duke-Giles

Feroze Khushi stood on strike. Essex needed three off the final ball of an exceptionally entertaining T20 Blast contest against Surrey. A draw did not suit either side as they battled to land an easier quarter-final opponent from the Northern group. Sean Abbot, who had bowled a magnificent final over conceding just five singles, bowled a quick short ball. Khushi slapped the ball high into the air, where it seemed to hang for an age...

Earlier that day I heard a startling shout of "DISGRACE!" as I made Dad and I's midday cup of tea.

"What's wrong?" I exclaimed, hurrying back into the living room.

"ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL" my Dad further bellowed, as he pointed to a bemused-looking Jonny Bairstow who was frantically glancing from umpire to umpire.

Carey had stumped Bairstow. Bairstow had thought the ball was dead. The spirit of cricket was discussed.

"Bloody disgrace" my seething Dad intermittently uttered as we sped towards the Oval on the Northern Line. Unbeknownst to us Stokes was valiantly fighting on for England, but we had shifted our focus to the Vitality Blast. As lifelong Essex fans, we had come to expect the unexpected. But surely Surrey were too good and Essex would finish fifth due to Kent's superior net run rate.

The ball hung in the air and was caught by the electric Chris Jordan. But he had taken it over the rope! Ecstasy for Dad, myself and several other rogue Essex supporters at the Oval.

Jonny who?

Article 4 – Peter Hill

After the brilliant exploits of Ben Stokes and Toby Roland-Jones for England, in the third test against South Africa in 2017, all the match at the Kia Oval needed was a magical moment to finish. Moeen Ali would greatly oblige with three of the most exciting deliveries in recent England history.

Still needing 240 to win, with three wickets left, South Africa knew that it would be an uphill task to complete a remarkable comeback but with Dean Elgar at the crease on 136 there would’ve remained a glimmer of hope. With his second last ball of the 76th over, Ali would however strike, as his delivery was edged off a cover drive to Ben Stokes at first slip. Next up to the crease was Kagiso Rabada and he departed in extremely similar fashion for a golden duck off the last ball of the over.

A maiden from Stokes would follow before Ali would get his opportunity for the hat-trick, what would be England’s first by a spinner since 1938. The incoming Morne Morkel was the batter and he missed at a straight one, lbw surely, every in the Kia Oval thought it was out apart from Joel Wilson, the one that mattered. It was reviewed straight away by England, and ball tracking was three reds. Wilson had to overturn his decision to the delight of Ali and the whole England team who had managed to defeat South Africa by 239 runs.

Shortlist 5 – Ashwin Subramanian

While the Kia Oval has been home to many an extraordinary game of cricket, witnessing Day 3 of the World Test Championship final at The Oval in 2023 was a momentous experience, marked by a remarkable partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur that breathed life into India's campaign.

On my maiden visit to this historic venue, I was privileged to see Rahane, reinstated to the team after being dropped the previous year, display his class and resilience. His innings of 89, combined with Thakur's gritty 51, forged a crucial stand that momentarily tilted the game in India's favour. The duo's defiance against a relentless Australian attack was not just a testament to their skill but also a reflection of their unwavering spirit. It was also a moment of personal gratification to see Rahane stamp his class on the international circuit.

This partnership was one of the only bright spots in an otherwise disappointing outing for India, showcasing the tenacity and fight that make cricket so enthralling. As a cricket fan, this experience was profoundly inspiring, underscoring the narrative of redemption and the sheer unpredictability of sport. It was an honour to witness such a pivotal moment, and it deepened my appreciation for the game's nuances and the stories that unfold within the grand theatre that is the Kia Oval.

Please vote for your favourite writer via the form below. Voting closes on midnight August 16th.

To find out more about Kia, head to www.kia.com