The SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) is a more intimate venue than the MCG and remains one of Australia's premier sporting venues steeped in history. It is situated 2.5 miles away from the city centre at the corner of Moore Park in the city's east. Highly recognisable because of its heritage listed members pavilion and ladies stand. These two iconic stands coated in a marvellous emerald green have provided a magnificent backdrop to the hundreds of memorable moments that have been recorded here. 
The origins of the S.C.G date back to 1810 with cricket first played as long ago as 1848 where it was called the Garrison ground. It only officially became known as the Sydney Cricket Ground (1894) 12 years after hosting its first Test match in which Australia defeated England by five wickets. The stadium has continued to develop over the years with the erection of the Bradman Stand in the north eastern corner which was completed in 1973. Further development to the ground began in 1978 with the introduction of controversial World Series Cricket and games being played at night. Unsurprisingly the character of the SCG changed. Five light towers were built in 1978 enabling the first night match to be staged later that year with the Brewongle Stand opening in 1980. The old concrete scoreboard was closed in 1983 and a new electronic video scoreboard was opened providing replays and scope for advertising.
The spectators benefit from the relatively low capacity (40,000) in the sense that it ensures fans to be close to the action with great views from virtually any point. In the early years the pitches were favourable for batting with huge scores posted. Sir Don Bradman in particular enjoyed the conditions making his highest score of 452 not out against Queensland. However English fans will not forget Barmy Army favourite, Darren Gough bagging a hat-trick in 1999, which was England's first and only Ashes hat trick in the 20th century. Noted as a spinners paradise, the SCG's playing surface was dramatically overhauled in 2000 at a cost of $2 million, reducing the playing surface to 157m long and 154m wide.
With a population of 4.6 million, Sydney is the country's oldest and largest city, characterised by its spectacular harbour which divides the city into north and south. Sydney generates fantastic support from England and is an amazing place to be for the New Years. You will not forget the sight of the fireworks bursting with colour over the Harbour Bridge. The Opera House and Bridge are obvious tourist hotspots but probably of more interest would be the all day drinking clubs and pubs of King Cross which never get tiresome. Here you can drink a beer into the wee hours of the morning and spend the next day walking across the gorgeous Blue Mountains. A great city which we love more and more every time we visit!
