Surrey Plays Australia at the Oval in 1934

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Surrey Plays Australia at the Oval in 1934


There's Oval action as Surrey play the Aussies in 1934 - with batsmen and bowlers warming-up, looked on by fans, before battle commences

This well-crafted film from 1934 features several cricket legends when Surrey take on the Australians at the Oval before large and appreciative crowds. Starting with some bowling and batting practise, overlooked by fans, we see the players getting their photos taken by press photographers as they stride onto the pitch. Rain stops play during the match but it soon resumes and ends in a draw.

In March 2016 the Victorian gasholder which dominates the Oval cricket ground skyline was granted Grade II listed status. Made from wrought iron, it was the largest gasholder in the world when built in 1847. It was rebuilt in the late 1870s, just before the Oval hosted the first Test match in England in 1880 and it has been a feature of the venue ever since.


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