WACA Cricket Ground Profile
The WACA Cricket Ground is based in Perth and takes its name from its operators, the Western Australia Cricket Association.
Test cricket has been played at the WACA since 1970/71 season and it has long been known as the region’s home of cricket. The venue has also hosted other sports over the years, including Aussie rules football, baseball, soccer and rugby.
The ground was first opened in 1893 and the first matches took place in 1894. However, it wasn’t part of Australia’s regular cricket venues for many years due to how difficult transport to Western Australia was at that time. That eventually changes as better railway lines and air links made it easier for touring sides to visit.
The first first-class clash at the WACA took place between Western Australia and South Australia in April 1899. When the site was eventually used for men’s Test cricket in 1970, Australia’s Greg Chappel scored a century on debut against England as the match ended in a draw.
The first one-day game at the WACA was held in December 1980 when New Zealand were defeated by India. The ground has also seen Test hat-tricks from both Merv Hughes (1988) and Glenn McGrath (2000). McGrath later recorded his best-ever bowling figures at the ground in 2004 when he took 8-24 against Pakistan at the age of 34.
The WACA hosted Australia’s first T20 match when the Western Warriors took on the Victorian Bushrangers in 2005. The ground’s first T20I cricket match followed in December 2007 when Australia beat New Zealand by 55 runs.
What to look for when betting on matches at the WACA
The pitch at the WACA is known for being one of the quickest in the world. Added bounce and the assistance of the sea-breeze mean it is a happy hunting ground for pace and swing bowlers.
The outfield is also fast, so spectators are often treated to fast scoring innings at the venue.
Ricky Ponting holders the record for the most runs at the WACA with 965 in 26 innings. The top wicket-taker is Glenn McGrath with 52 in 24 innings.