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Narendra Modi Stadium: World's largest cricket ground hosts its first Test match in India
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Narendra Modi Stadium: World’s largest cricket ground hosts its first Test match in India

By Jason Diego / February 24, 2021
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, hosted the third in a four-match series between India and England, the first Test match it has hosted since its refurbishment.
Originally constructed in 1982 with a capacity on 42,000, an impressive renovation plan was announced in October 2015, in which the capacity was increased to 110,000 spectators.

The reconstruction plan, which was completed in February 2020, meant that the stadium surpassed the Melbourne Cricket Ground — which has a capacity of 90,000 — to become the world’s largest cricket stadium.

The India and England teams stand during the national anthems ahead of day one of the third Test match.
Located near the banks of the Sabarmati River, it was renamed from Motera Stadium ahead of Wednesday’s Test after current Indian Prime Minister and then Gujarat Cricket Association president Narendra Modi.

As well as increasing the capacity, an indoor academy with sleeping facilities for 40 athletes was added along with six indoor practice pitches and three outdoor practice fields.

Before its redevelopment, the stadium had a rich history of professional cricket. In 1987, Sunil Gavaskar surpassed 10,000 runs in Test cricket and became the highest run-scorer in Test cricket.

In 1994, Kapil Dev took his 432nd Test wicket and surpassed Sir Richard Hadlee’s record, becoming the highest wicket-taker in that form of the game.

In 2013, Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score 30,000 runs in international cricket.

Day one of the third Test between India and England was the signaled halfway point in a fiercely contested four-match series between the cricket heavyweights.

England won the opening Test before India dominated last time out in Chennai to level up the series.

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