7. PERTH
Wild Wild West
It is Australia’s fourth most populous city, and the only state capital located on the Indian Ocean coast.
Founded in 1829 by captain James Stirling, who named it after the city of Perth in Scotland in honour of Sir George Murray, the then British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, who was born in that Scottish city and was a member for Perthshire in the British House of Commons.
The city’s population witnessed an expansion following the Western Australian gold-rush in the late 19th century, and the mining boom in the late 20th and early part of this century. The city has a Mediterranean-type climate that has helped the growth and popularity of outdoor sports.
The prison in the port of Freemantle, built using convict labourers, is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
THE WACA
The ground, built on swamp land, was first used in the late 19th century. However, with Perth isolated from the rest of the mainland, the WACA did not host a Test until 1970. It has a reputation for having the fastest and bounciest pitch in the world. The Freemantle Doctor, the sea breeze that visits the ground, adds to the favourable conditions for the fast bowlers.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 114 against Australia in the 1992 Test is regarded as one of the most memorable knocks played at the venue. The ground also hosts AFL, rugby, soccer and baseball games. However, the AFL recently moved its games from the WACA.
Capacity: 22,000 (24,500 with temporary stands)
Playing area: 149m long, 139m wide
Highest total: 343/5 (Australia vs New Zealand, January 2007)
Lowest total: 70 (West Indies vs Australia, February 2013)
Highest score: 144 not out (Damien Martyn)
Best bowling: 5/15 (Ravi Shastri)
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8. NELSON
Old-world charm
Situated on the eastern shores of the Tasman Bay, the city has a varied landscape ranging from golden beaches to forests and mountains. The city is also blessed with the most sunshine in the south island of the country.
For nature lovers, Nelson is an attractive destination with three national parks. Famous for eco-tourism, the city is also one of the major centres for creative arts.
The World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum (WOW) is one of the top attractions in Nelson
SAXTON OVAL
The Oval is part of a sports complex that has facilities for athletics, softball, football and hockey. The ground was used as a base by Australia and Italy in the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup.
The first international cricket match was played in 2014, with New Zealand beating the West Indies by 58 runs.
The ground recently hosted Sri Lanka, only the second ODI played there. The venue proved lucky again as the Kiwis won by four wickets.
The venue will host three matches during the 2015 World Cup.
Capacity: N/A
Playing area: N/A
Highest total: 285/6 (New Zealand vs West Indies, January 2014)
Lowest total: 276 (Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, January 2015)
Highest score: 103 (Kane Williamson)
Best bowling: 3/59 (Tim Southee)
