Records, Revenge and Rollercoasters: Three Tales from Adelaide Oval's Rich History
Adelaide Oval has a unique history that extends beyond cricket, including a rollercoaster that opened on 18 January 1889. This gravity-driven switchback railway spanned the ground on two lines of wooden scaffolding, providing up to 140 metres of travel and attracting about 10,000 riders within 30 hours. It was dismantled during World War I to aid fundraising efforts.
Significant cricket milestones at Adelaide Oval include the remarkable 1908 eighth-wicket partnership between Roger Hartigan (real name Michael Hartigan) and Clem Hill. Despite battling illness and heavy heat during his debut, Hartigan contributed to elevating Australia’s score from 180-7 to 423. Hill scored 160 runs himself as part of Australia’s innings total of 506. Hartigan faced the era's legendary bowlers SF Barnes and Wilfred Rhodes and was regarded as one of the top batsmen of his time, though he only played two Tests.
The 1947/48 Adelaide Test featured Indian batsman Vijay Hazare, who scored centuries in both innings against Australia. Clarrie Grimmett, who had mentored Hazare in India, watched from the stands as Don Bradman captained Australia. Hazare became the first Indian to record two centuries in a Test match played in Australia.
Clarrie Grimmett also left a significant domestic legacy at Adelaide Oval, setting an Australian first-class season record with 73 wickets and maintaining the Sheffield Shield career wicket record to this day.
