Sun Smiles on Cardiff as Ashes a resounding success with fans and media

After years of planning, the first Ashes test ever held in Wales between England and Australia finally got underway yesterday in a capital city bathed in sunshine. And judging from the reaction in today’s national newspapers, the opening day was a resounding success with fans and media alike.    

Headlines in today’s Guardian read, ‘Cardiff dream Test debut gives England a home from home’. Guardian Correspondent, David Hopps who was at the Swalec Stadium said, ‘The envy that has greeted Cardiff’s award as a test venue will be even greater now. Cardiff’s debut as a Test venue was a triumph. This stadium works. It is intimate without being overly cramped, the atmosphere was lively without being crass, the crowd appreciative and knowledgeable.’  

The Daily Telegraph led with similar accolades, ‘Opening day is triumph for Wales’. Michael Henderson commented, ‘For Glamorgan Cricket Club and for the folk of south Wales, it was a day of splendour. Every person who came yesterday will want to come back. Things could not have run more smoothly. If the remaining four days go well then it is plain that Test cricket will return to the stadium by the river Taff’. 

The Daily Mail commented, ‘This was every bit as enthralling a day as had been hoped for and, it has to be said, it was played out on a thoroughly worthy stage. Cardiff rose magnificently to the occasion, from the passionate opening ceremony to the friendliness of everyone involved in staging this Test and the atmosphere created by the mainly Welsh supporters in a capacity 16,000 crowd’.

The Independent led with, ‘Noise and passion show success of Cardiff Gamble’. David Lloyd for the Independent said, ‘All in all, the world's newest Test ground passed its first examination with flying colours’.

Visitors to the capital were welcomed and helped by an army of Ashes Ambassadors dotted around the city and lining the route to the Stadium. Bute Park was awash with colour, as visiting fans from Australia and England made the short trip from the city centre to Glamorgan Cricket’s magnificent new ground. 

Fans had already given the city a big thumbs-up even before reaching the ground but were bowled over by the distinctly Welsh atmosphere in the packed stadium and Katherine Jenkins performing at her very best. The players were introduced to the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan and after winning the toss England went into bat with Andrew Strauss claiming the first runs on this historic occasion.

After a nervous start, going into lunch at 90 for 3 wickets, England steadied the ship and were a respectable 336 for seven wickets at close of play. The day finished as it began with a distinctly Welsh feel with fans from both Australia and England belting out Tom Jones’ Delilah. With the outcome of this Test finally balanced, it was smiles all round as the crowd made their way to the city’s restaurants and bars.

The opening day was a resounding success and just reward for Paul Russell and his staff at Glamorgan Cricket club and the commitment from a Team Wales approach that helped to secure this historic first Test.      

09/07/2009