Most successful ground for each country in Tests 

Test cricket is considered the purest form of the game and it is given topmost priority by most teams around the world. You often see players taking a break from low-key limited-overs series’ to keep themselves fresh for red-ball cricket. Hence, there is no doubt that Test cricket is ranked number 1 on the priority list of most players.

Also, in recent times, home advantage has become a massive factor as the hosts dominate and win more often than not, especially in Tests. And hence, particular teams have some certain venues which they like to go back to where they have a very good record (where they seldom lose). Thus, we look at the most successful ground for each country in Test cricket.

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India - Mohali (7/13 wins)

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium is one of the venues where India love playing Tests. It has hosted a few of the most memorable Test matches played in India.

Ever since it hosted a debut Test in 1994, the pitch at the PCA stadium has suited fast bowlers more. In 1994, India played the West Indies on a pacy and quick pitch and were blown away by the Windies quicks, who were led by Courtney Walsh. India lost by 243 runs and the visitors squared the series 1-1.

However, that was the only game India lost in Mohali. Since then they have won 7 and drawn 5.

In 2008, it hosted the 2nd Test against England when they returned to play the Test series after 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Even though the game was drawn, India took the series 1-0 after their famous win in Chennai. Also, this was the last Test that ended in a draw.

In the last four Tests that have been played at the PCA Stadium, India have emerged victorious in all games. In 2010, India prevailed by 1-wicket against Australia in the 1st Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (VVS Laxman batted beautifully with the tail to help India chase down 216 from 124/8).

In 2013, Shikhar Dhawan smashed the fastest ton by a debutant against Australia to help India win the series 3-0. In 2015 and 2016, India won comprehensively against England and South Africa to extend their dominance at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

New Zealand - Hamilton (10/24 wins)

With grass banks all around the Seddon Park, the spectators generally have a good time at the venue.

The New Zealand cricket team is one of the most underrated teams in the world. Like most teams, New Zealand are very good at home. Since the start of 2012, they have lost just 4 games at home, only to South Africa and Australia.

Seddon Park in Hamilton is one of New Zealand’s most successful venues. Even though they didn’t have the best of starts at this venue, where they did not manage to win even one Test in the first four games, they have now managed to turn Seddon Park into a fortress of sorts.

Out of the 24 games played here, the Kiwis have lost only 6 Tests. In recent times, they have beaten the West Indies (2017), Pakistan (2016) and Sri Lanka (2015) at this venue. They also came close to beating a strong South African side earlier this year, but rain washed out the fifth day and denied the Kiwis a result.

Sri Lanka – Galle (17/30 wins)

Herath has enjoyed a lot of success in Galle.

Even though the recent record suggests otherwise, at home, in favourable conditions, the Sri Lankan lions were a tough nut to crack - especially at Galle, where the ball turns a lot as the game progresses.

At Galle, Sri Lanka have won 17 out of the 30 games and lost only 7. They’ve turned the Galle International Stadium into a fortress. We have witnessed one of the most dramatic come-from-behind wins in 2015 when Sri Lanka played India.

Even though India took a 192-run lead, the home side managed to set India a target of 175, which they defended successfully (with Rangana Herath taking 7/48). Since, then they beat a tough Australian side, the West Indies, and Bangladesh at this venue.

There is no doubt that Sri Lanka’s favourite venue is Galle. The great Muttiah Muralitharan has taken a staggering 111 wickets here. Current workhorse Rangana Herath also has 94 wickets at this venue.

South Africa – Centurion (17/22 wins)

The SuperSport Park in Centurion.

The SuperSport Park in Centurion is one of the quickest pitches in South Africa. This is one of the grounds which has the best player facilities, and this has been acknowledged by a number of captains who played here.

When we talk about success, South Africa have won 17 out of the 22 Test matches that have been played at the SuperSport Park and lost only 2 (one in 2000 against England and the other in 2014 against Australia).

The fact that there have only been 3 draws (with the last drawn game coming in 2009) in 22 games suggests that this is one of the most result-oriented pitches.

The pace and bounce of the pitch suits the Proteas quicks and also their batsmen enjoy the true nature of the pitch. Hence, there’s little surprise that the SuperSport Park in Centurion is one of South Africa’s most successful venues.

Pakistan - Karachi (21/41 wins)

National Stadium in Karachi

Pakistan’s most successful cricket ground – National Stadium - is located in Karachi. The National Stadium was the country’s fourth Test venue and it became a fortress for the home side very quickly.

Pakistan have played 41 games at the National Stadium and have lost only 2 Test matches. And even those two losses came in this century (21st century) – Pakistan remained unbeaten at this venue for almost half a century. The two losses came in 2000 (against England) and in 2007 (against South Africa).

Hence, Pakistan will be ruing the fact that they aren’t able to play at home.

West Indies – Barbados (24/52)

Kensington Oval in Barbados

Recently, every time we speak about West Indies cricket, we tend to think about their T20 dominance. One of the main reasons for that has been a major dip in the results the Windies have been producing in recent times, especially in red-ball cricket.

At home, the men from the Caribbean used to be very tough to beat. However, as the years have gone by (especially since 2000), Test cricket in West Indies has been on the slide. However, they have managed to continue their good record at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Since 2013, they have lost only one game at this venue.

Overall, West Indies have won 24 out of the 52 Tests played at the Kensington Oval. They have lost 11 games and 8 of those have come since 2000, and thus the record has taken a beating.

England – Edgbaston (27/50)

Edgbaston hosted a thriller Ashes Test in 2005 in which England prevailed by 2 runs.

Edgbaston hosted its first Test match way back in 1902, and became England’s 6th Test venue. Earlier this year, it became the 14th venue to host 50 Test matches.

There’s also one fact most people might not know about Edgbaston. It is one of England’s most successful grounds. In fact, since 2002, England have lost only once (against South Africa in 2008). Overall, in 50 Tests, England have 27 wins and have lost only 8 Tests.

Even though in the last 7 years, only 6 Tests have been played Edgbaston, England have won 5 of those Tests (including the Ashes win in 2015). Hence, Edgbaston is one of England’s favourite venues.

Australia - Brisbane (38/60)

The Gabba in Brisbane.

Australia is undoubtedly one of the most dominant teams in world cricket, especially at home. Since 2012, at home, Australia have lost only 3 Tests (all against South Africa) in the 41 Tests they’ve played. The Gabba has the old and successful tradition of hosting the first Test of the season or the series.

The Gabba in Brisbane is one of the truest and quickest pitches in the world. Hence, there’s little surprise in the fact that Australia have lost only 8 Tests in the 60 that have been played at the Gabba. In fact, Australia haven’t lost a single Test match at this venue since 1988.

Thus, this is easily one of Australia most successful venues with 38 wins out of 60 Tests.