EDGBASTON: GROUND & SPECTATOR GUIDE

Established: 1886

One of the very best sporting venues in the UK, Edgbaston became Warwickshire's home in the late 19th century.

It has become a mainstay on the English cricket calendar, routinely hosting major international matches as well as the T20 Blast Finals Day.

The stadium's stands have been steadily updated in recent years to give the entire ground a feeling of modernity. Edgbaston offers a day out for all types of cricket-goers - from its rowdy Eric Hollies Stand, known for its party atmosphere and fancy dress - to the more reserved sections for members and families.

HISTORY

Towards the end of the 19th century, Warwickshire leased the land on which the current Edgbaston stadium stands from the Calthorpe Estate.

In 1886, the ground hosted its first match - against the MCC - while two months later, in August, more than 6,000 spectators watched the Australians in action.

In 1902, Edgbaston staged its first Test, an Ashes encounter, by which time the ground's first permanent stand had been erected and since then the arena has gone from strength to strength.

It has been the venue for many iconic moments in English cricketing history, perhaps none more so than England's dramatic two-run win over Australia in the 2005 Ashes.

The first floodlit match in the UK was staged here in 1997 and England's first home day-night Test followed 20 years later.

In 2010 and 2011, the stadium was redeveloped at a cost of £32million, upping its capacity to 25,000, and it is not rare to see every seat in the house taken.

^{Peter May and Colin Cowdrey leaving the field at Edgbaston after a record partnership of 411 runs against the West Indies in 1957}

FAMOUS MOMENT

Michael Kasprowicz is surprised by a Steve Harmison snorter and gets a glove through to a tumbling Geraint Jones.

Billy Bowden's finger goes up.

Edgbaston erupts.

Had DRS been around back in 2005, of course, Australia would likely have won the second Test of the Ashes series, gone 2-0 up and history would have been quite different.

But it wasn't around, and we all know what happened next.

^{Steve Harmison celebrates the wicket of Michael Kasprowicz}

HOW TO GET THERE

Address: Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, B5 7QU

By car: There is controlled parking in place on matchdays. The streets immediately around the venue are for permit holders only. Organisers ask that fans consider their direction of travel when reserving a parking space.

To book parking and for more details click here or call 0844 8471902.

By public transport: There are regular local buses to the ground from south-west Birmingham and the city centre. National Express buses 45 and 47 have services between the city centre and Pershore Road (a two-minute walk to the ground). More information on local buses can be found by clicking here.

Birmingham New Street Station is the main Birmingham hub. There are regular trains to Manchester and London with a journey time of less than 90 minutes. The 501 shuttle service operates from Smallbrook Queensway opposite TK Maxx (close to the Bullring). The service starts at 08:30 and runs directly to the stadium. New Street is walking distance to Edgbaston (around 30 minutes, with the route clearly signposted).

WHERE TO EAT

Coast to Coast

All-day, American-style eatery and bar serving cocktails, burgers, pizzas, steaks and Tex-Mex

9 Brindley Pl, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HJ

Website

The Karczma Restaurant

Hearty Polish food in a rustic cottage

Polish Millennium, Bordesley St, Birmingham B5 5PH

Website

Rodizio Rico

All-you-can-eat meats on giant skewers in a chic Brazilian bar-eatery branch with live Latino music

The Cube, Commercial St, Birmingham B1 1RS

Website

The Lost & Found

Classic British food, plus sandwiches and cocktails, in quirky rooms in a grand Victorian building

8 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS

Website

Adams

Upscale choice for acclaimed modern British tasting menus, in a chic, contemporary dining room

New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo St, Birmingham B2 5UG

Website

WHAT TO DO NEARBY

Birmingham Wildlife Park

Learn about some of the world’s rarest animals. The park is home to many rare and endangered species, including Colombian black spider monkeys, and ocelot cats.

Pershore Rd, Birmingham B5 7RL

Website

Bear Grylls Adventure

A safe and fun way to try physical challenges inspired by Bear Grylls, without being alone in the wilderness.

National Exhibition Centre, Halls, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT

Website

National Motorcycle Museum

Indulge your inner speed demon with a visit to the National Motorcycle Museum and marvel at the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles.

Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ

Website

Legoland Discovery Centre

Enjoy a playful and creative day out with the whole family.