November 16 Saturday 2002
The Oval's future secured

LONDON: The Oval, the London home of English county champions Surrey, will stage international cricket for at least another 20 years after the club signed a long-term staging agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). 

The deal will also provide financial assistance in helping Surrey modernise the ground and expand its capacity from 18,500 to 23,000. "This is one of the most significant milestones in the club's history," said Surrey chairman Michael Soper. "It will contribute enormously to our ability to redevelop the ground and support the on-going success of Surrey cricket both on and off the field." The Oval is England's oldest international ground. It staged the first Test match ever held in the country, against Australia, back in 1880.