Ranking the 2019 Ashes Venues on Atmosphere

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the five venues that will host the 2019 Ashes series on Wednesday, with both Headingley and Old Trafford winning Tests for the coveted contest. 

Missing out were Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Trent Bridge in Nottingham (both of which will feature Tests during the 2015 series), Chester-le-Street in Durham (hosted a Test during the 2013 series) and the Ageas Bowl in Southampton (yet to host an Ashes Test). 

Across the following slides, we rank the 2019 Ashes venues by the atmosphere created inside each ground. 

5. Old Trafford

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Old Trafford took the very unusual step to rotate its pitch 90 degrees in 2010-11, changing its orientation from east-west to north-south to solve the problem of the late afternoon sun being behind the bowler's arm. 

That, in conjunction with an enhanced capacity created by a large red temporary stand at the old Stretford End, has completely changed the feel of the ground in Manchester. 

But the changes haven't resulted in a marked difference in atmosphere at Old Trafford, seeing Lancashire opt to schedule three games next year at outgrounds in Southport, Blackpool and Liverpool, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. 

The rationale? Creating an atmosphere at Old Trafford can be difficult.

"Old Trafford is brilliant when it is full, but it is a big ground and difficult to fill," Lancashire all-rounder Steven Croft said. 

"So it is a good move to play 50-over games at the outgrounds. We will probably get a few more through the gate and it will be a great atmosphere."

Of course, the environment gets cranked up a notch during an Ashes contest, but it's not a venue you associate with the vibrant buzz felt at other grounds.

The rain delays that are common in Manchester certainly don't help, either. 

4. Headingley

Stu Forster/Getty Images

There are few grounds in the world that have a feel to them that can fluctuate as quickly as the conditions in the middle can like Headingley.

Indeed, the venue in Yorkshire is notorious for changing in an instant once the cloud rolls in—an occurrence that triggers sudden swing and seam for bowlers and makes batting, which was previously comfortable, look extremely arduous. 

Interestingly, the atmosphere can be very similar. 

At times, it can feel very sedate as the play meanders along. But then it bursts into life with a flurry of action, seeing it take on a rowdy, football-like feel when the home side is on top (something that's helped by the beer-soaked Western Terrace).

3. The Oval

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Test series in England often finish at The Oval in south London, which regularly sees the venue take on a celebratory or carnival-like atmosphere. 

While other venues around the country can feel like anything from subdued to pompous to raucous, The Oval is often a place of fun times and smiles. 

Much of that atmosphere can be attributed to the conclusion of the series, with fans, who are eager to catch one last glimpse of Test cricket for the summer, often filling the 23,500 seats.

Being the more accessible of the major grounds in the vibrant city of London helps, too.  

2. Lord's

Harry Engels/Getty Images

Steeped in history and grandeur, a Lord's Test is always an occasion to savour. 

As a spectacle, the ground is a delight, mixing the heritage of the old pavilion with the stunning modernity of the media centre at either end. 

All the venue's nuances add to its stature further, with everything from the ground's slope to the iconic ties of the members giving Lord's a completely unique feel. 

What's also pleasing is that the ground is so often sold out, with tickets to Ashes contests at Lord's standing as perhaps the most sought-after ticket in world cricket. 

As such, an enthusiastic and appreciative vibe is ever-present at the world-famous venue, even if it might all be a bit mild-mannered for some.  

1. Edgbaston

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Edgbaston hosted what is widely considered to be greatest Test match of all time between England and Australia in 2005. That's enough for the No. 1 ranking isn't it?

For those who there between August 4-7 of that year, they'll remember an atmosphere that's never been equalled at a cricket match in England. It was raucous. Fiery. Intense. And incredibly loud.

In fact, those are the traits that define Edgbaston, a ground that shrugs off the gentler feel of many other venues in England and contains that cauldron vibe that one associates with some of the famous grounds in Australia. 

With Ashes Tests scheduled in Birmingham for both the 2015 and 2019 series, Edgbaston is a welcome return to the fixture list.