Ranking Nations by Their Test-Match Cricket Crowds

In recent years, the likes of the Barmy Army of England, the Fanatics of Australia and the Beige Brigade of New Zealand have all sprung to prominence as ardent followers of their respective country’s cricket teams. However, which Test nations are the best supported, and which tend to play in front of one man and his dog?

Well, that is the question we will answer here as each country is ranked by their Test-match cricket crowds. Those nations with massive stadium packed to the rafters with knowledgeable fans are near the top of the pile, while those playing to tiny empty grounds will sadly be propping up the table.

So, tell us whether you agree or not with how we have rated each country, starting with the nation at the bottom of the rankings...

10. Pakistan

While it must be recognised that this cricket-mad nation have not been helped by the horrific terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus that took place in March 2009, which now results in Pakistan being forced to play all their “home” Test matches in the United Arab Emirates, the country was hardly heaving with a packed stadium prior to that event either.

In fact, unlike in limited-overs matches, grounds such as the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore or Karachi’s National Stadium (above), the country’s two biggest and most famous cricket venues, would often resemble the County Cricket Ground in Derby on a wet Tuesday in May when hosting a Test match.

9. Zimbabwe

It used to house some of the most beautiful and picturesque grounds in the world, including the likes of the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and the Harare Sports Club; however, following a five-year absence from the Test arena, the game has been slowly dying a death in the country.

As a result, crowds are now miniscule as interest in the national team wanes due to a general mistrust of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (see above), leaving this once proud Southern African cricketing nation near the bottom of our rankings when, just 20 years ago, they would have been challenging at the top.

8. New Zealand

Much like Zimbabwe, New Zealand can boast some of the most scenic Test match ground in the world, especially Seddon Park in Hamilton, Napier’s McLean Park and the University Oval in Dunedin (above).

It is just that they are usually empty when a Test match comes along, unless England and the Barmy Army are touring, that is, and while the Kiwis can boast an equally boisterous and loyal fanbase in the form of the Beige Brigade, it does not really matter when they are the only ones in the grounds!

7. Bangladesh

Boy can the Bangladeshi fans make some racket when their side are on top, as witnessed by the noise which accompanied Rubel Hossain’s recent hat-trick against New Zealand at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The trouble is, that was for a one-dayer, and as we know, limited-overs cricket rules in the subcontinent, whereas for a Test match, those massive grounds in Chittagong and Dhaka can seem awfully eerie when empty.

6. Sri Lanka

The Lankan people just adore their cricket and support their team with huge passion both at home and abroad; however, the grounds on the beautiful island, while normally fairly full (see above)—certainly when it comes to the subcontinent, that is—are small when compared to those throughout the rest of the world.

5. India

As befits one of the largest countries in the whole world, India also houses some of the biggest Test-match arenas on the planet, too, including the legendary 90,000-capacity Eden Gardens in Kolkata (see above).

But, it is just a shame they are never more than half full for Test matches; although, one gets the feeling that may just change next week at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai when Sachin Tendulkar plays his 200th and final Test for India...!

4. South Africa

There are some absolutely cracking grounds to watch Test cricket at in this part of the world, and none more so than at Newlands in Cape Town (see above). And for the most part, they are usually fairly well attended, too.

However, for a nation with such a proud all-around sporting heritage and history, it is still surprising that the stadiums are not jam-packed all of the time.

3. West Indies

Okay, so they may not host the largest grounds in the world—although, the recently revamped Kensington Oval in Barbados does house a respectable 28,000—but you can be damn sure that when the Calypso Kings are playing at home, the ever-knowledgeable locals will be out in support of their beloved team, and that includes man, woman, child and characters such as Gravy (above), too!

2. Australia

Certainly, this vast country contains the most impressive collection of big cricket grounds in the world. Giant stadiums, such as the 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground and the 44,000-seater Sydney Cricket Ground, too, are two of the largest on the planet.

The problem is, when those beasts are not packed to the rafters, they don’t have to look bad, as was seen on the final two days of the opening Ashes Test in November 2010 at the Gabba (above) when England, following on, racked up 517 for one in front of one man and his dog, as well as the Barmy Army, of course!

1. England

If you want to go somewhere where there are big grounds full to capacity of knowledgeable and, at times, raucous fans no matter the opposition, situation of the game or the weather, then there really is only one country to go to watch Test match cricket in, and that is England.

In fact, if you are wanting tickets for next summer’s Test series’ against Sri Lanka and India, then you had better get your act in gear pretty sharpish, as they are almost all sold out already. How many countries in the world can boast that kind of fan dedication?

Follow @Richiereds1976