A global tournament is coming to Wales this summer, but it’s not the rugby one! Rhys Fisher looks ahead to the ICC Cricket World Cup, plus other treats for sports fans this May.
Cricket World Cup
SSE SWALEC, Cardiff, Thurs 30 May-Sun 14 July
England and Wales are to host the ICC Cricket World Cup from late May, and despite cricket being synonymous with us Brits the hosting of the biggest tournament in the sport has flown somewhat under the radar. Perhaps this is particularly true for those of us residing west of the Severn Bridge: although in its entirety the team name reads ‘England and Wales’, it is usually shortened to just the former, and has always felt more like an English team.
In fact, you’d have to go back to the heroics of Simon and Geraint Jones during the historic 2005 Ashes series victory to find a Welshman who has represented the England and Wales side. Unfortunately, this trend does not appear to show any sign of being bucked. With Glamorgan languishing near the bottom of Division Two in the County Championship, it seems unlikely that any Welsh players will be getting a callup in time for the World Cup.
However, Wales will still be playing a big part in the tournament, with the SWALEC stadium in Sophia Garden playing host to four fixtures throughout June. Although England’s match against the inconsistent yet dangerous Bangladesh will undoubtedly be the most eagerly anticipated in the capital, for neutrals the clash between Sri Lanka and New Zealand could be a contender for match of the World Cup. Both sides will enter the tournament under the enviable billing of ‘dark horses’, and will surely see this early fixture as a chance to make a statement of intent.
England will be rolling into town as rightful favourites for the tournament. With home field advantage, and a batting lineup that has gotten used to chasing down 300+ for fun, they’ve climbed to number one in the ICC world rankings, and will have every intention of banishing the demons of 2015, where they failed to make it out of the group stages. Chief amongst those looking to upset England’s dreams of lifting the trophy on home soil are an Australian side who enter the tournament looking rejuvenated.
Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll have “it’s coming home” plastered all over your Twitter feed this summer, the ICC Cricket World Cup is still the third most watched sporting event on the planet – and it’s coming to Cardiff. Chances like that don’t come around every week.
Cardiff Fixtures
New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Sat 1 June
Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Tue 4 June
England v Bangladesh, Sat 8 June (sold out)
South Africa v Afghanistan, Sat 15 June
Tickets: from £18 (£6 child). Info: www.cricketworldcup.com
WWE
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Fri 17 May
Fresh from a historic Wrestlemania that saw the first ever women’s main event, WWE bring their unique blend of athleticism and showmanship to Cardiff this month. With a rumoured lineup that includes newly crowned Universal Champion Seth Rollins, and his former Shield brother Roman Reigns, as well as both the men’s and women’s tag team titles being contested, it promises to be a great show for casuals and hardcore fans alike. With this being a fine showcase for some of the most talented wrestlers in the world, and the Motorpoint Arena provides a great venue to witness this up close and personal.
Tickets: £41-£75. Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
MONSTER JAM
Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Sat 18 May
Time once more for the Principality Stadium to trade in men built like trucks thundering into each other for actual trucks thundering into each other, when Monster Jam returns to Cardiff for its yearly pilgrimage of wonderment and destruction. The hallowed turf will be replaced with an obstacle course fit for giants, as these behemoths perform flips and stunts that leave viewers questioning the laws of physics. With the return of favourites such as Megalodon and Grave Digger, this year’s show seems set on continuing Monster Jam’s streak of providing one of the most utterly unique forms of entertainment on the planet.
Tickets: from £15. Info: 08442 777888 / principalitystadium.wales