Rajkot to become 120th test match venue in World

Rajkot (Gujarat),[India] Oct. 19 (ANI): All though many One Day International matches have been played at the Rajkot's Saurashtra Cricket Association ground but now it is ready to host a test match. Earlier this year, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had recognized it as a test centre and now it will be hosting its first ever test match match on November 9 between India and England. With this test match being played here, it will become the world's 120th venue for the test cricket. Besides hosting several ODIs, this magnificent cricket stadium has also been the home ground for the Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League. But on 9th of the next month, it is all set to become the 23rd test venue in India and 120th in the world. India and England will play their first test of the four match test series here on November 9 and the preparation to host this match is in full swing. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been invited by the Saurashtra Cricket Association Secretary, Niranjan Shah to witness this unique landmark of becoming the Test venue. The seating capacity of the stadium is about 28,ooo. Around 5,000 children would be called to witness the test match for free on different days of the match. Other than this, players from Saurashtra who have played test cricket for India or have represented Saurashtra in Ranji would be specially invited for the occasion. A special ceremony will also be held before the match starts. Cricket fans are very excited to witness the first international test match being played here. The online sale of tickets for the test match has started. (ANI)