The SSE SWALEC, also known as...

The SSE SWALEC, previously known as The Swalec Stadium and also Sophia Gardens.

The SSE Swalec held their first international cricket match in 1999, when Australia played New Zealand in the 1999 Cricket World Cup. The ground regularly held One Day International matches from 2001 and hosted England for the first time in 2006. Cardiff held their first test match in 2009, with the opening test match between England and Australia, making The SSE SWALEC the 100th Test match venue. In 2012, the ground was stripped of hosting Sri Lanka due to late payments. The next test match they held was the opening match of the 2015 Ashes series. 

The ground, along with other cricket grounds around the country, bid to host international cricket each summer. A very fiercely competitive process. Cardiff is often criticised when they are awarded hosting rights by the media. But in contradiction, they are celebrated in the media. 

Do you like the SSE SWALEC? Do you think they should be holding regular international cricket? Do you think other grounds deserve priority over Cardiff? 

Write your comments below 

England in Wales? Doesn't that go against Welsh Nationality

Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey, ....
The amount of sports that Wales has its own national team competing at international level goes on and on. However, this can not be said about Cricket. Cricket Wales represents the nation in the sport, as an equivalent to English Counties.

The ECB, also known as England and Wales Cricket Board, is the representative for Wales (with England) in international cricket. But do they represent the Welsh? Where is the Welsh emblem on the kit? Why don't we call them the EWCB? Is it time that the ECB make an effort to be more inclusive of the Welsh. Is it time that Wales looks to establish their own independent international team, just like their celtic friends, Ireland and Scotland.

On the other hand, should the Welsh just be thankful that the ECB are bringing international cricket to Wales? Would there be any possibility of seeing some of the best cricketers in the World in Wales without the help of the ECB.

The point of devolution of Wales from England was to become independent, but can this happen if we continue to keep shared national sport teams? Is it time that Welsh Cricket becomes independent?

What are your thoughts on this topic?
Would you like to see Wales compete internationally? or is there not an issue with England and Wales working together?

Please post your comments below

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1. At the end of each post on the blog, you should find a "comments" link. 
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Welcome to my blog!

My name is Lucie Johnson and I am a final year student at the University of Bath. This blog has been created to aid my dissertation. My dissertation is looking at the sustainability of International Cricket in Cardiff.

I hope to use this blog to engage with the general public for their opinions on the research topic. I will be posting regularly and hope that you engage with the material. My main objective is to gain your opinions. 

You can follow me on twitter @CricketLucie for regular updates.

Thanks/Diolch