MCG: GROUND & SPECTATOR GUIDE

Built: 1853

The Melbourne Cricket Ground – aka “The G” – is the largest sports stadium in the southern hemisphere and will play host to the final of the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup.

It is the only game that the enormous arena will stage during the tournament, but it is aiming to break a record in doing so.

Organisers are hoping to fill the 100,000-seater MCG, a feat that would break the record for the largest crowd drawn for a women’s sporting event, surpassing the audience of 90,185 that watched the 1999 women’s football World Cup final as the United States beat China.

HISTORY

Since being built in 1853 after the Australian government forced Melbourne Cricket Club to move to a new location, the ground has become one of cricket’s major landmark sites, while also famed for its versatility.

Brazil and Argentina have played football there in front of 95,000 spectators, while rugby league games – including the State of Origin clash, international rugby union and even the Commonwealth Games have all been held in one of world sport’s most famed amphitheatres.

Pope John Paul II even held a mass at the ground in 1986. In cricketing terms, the venue hosted the first-ever Test match, as well as the 1992 World Cup final.

There are few grounds with more iconic history attached to them.

^{Bill Lawry and England captain Ray Illingworth (right) toss the coin before the fourth test in the Ashes series of 1970-71}

FAMOUS MOMENT

In amongst a pantheon of memorable moments, this is hardly the most famous, but Alastair Cook’s unbeaten 244 during the 2017/18 Ashes series was a rare highlight for England supporters.

In Cook’s case, it came at a time when his batsmanship was under some of the most fierce scrutiny he ever faced.

He carried his bat throughout, receiving a terrific ovation even from the home supporters as he reached the milestone of his double century.

HOW TO GET THERE

Address: Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002, Australia

Train: There are two train stations close to the MCG. Jolimont (otherwise known as MCG Station) is north of the ground and offers a five-minute walk through Yarra Park to the ground. From any railway station in the central business district, take the Hurstbridge or Epping lines.

The other station is Richmond on the south eastern side of the MCG. It's a slightly longer walk to the ground but you can walk past the Punt Road Oval to the Great Southern Stand side.

To get to Richmond station from the city, take any train on the Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverley, Dandenong, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston or Sandringham lines.

Parking: Parking is usually available in Yarra Park on matchdays at AU$10 per vehicle.

Bus: The 246 bus connects La Trobe University to Elsternwick Station. The 246 stops in Punt Road, not far from the stadium.

PLAYING CONDITIONS

The ground is 172.9m long and 147.8m wide. Because of the ground’s capacity to host other sports outside of the cricket season, drop-in pitches are used.