Score & explore: Travel destinations for the cricket fanatic

Cricket fever has landed in the UAE and we're surrounded by exciting venues to make the best of the game season. But if you're craving a bit of sports tourism and want to set off in the near future, here are few cricket-friendly destinations to quench that thirst.

AUSTRALIA
Australia has already jumped on the bandwagon to introduce the concept of cricket tourism to international visitors and remains a top favourite destination among professional cricket teams for practice rounds and matches. According to Bleacher report, Australia is preferred for its quality pitches, fantastic stadiums, great weather (as you travel up North) and lots of sightseeing locations in the vicinity.

Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Sydney
The heritage site, originally built in the 19th century to serve the water needs on the intersections of Oxford, Ormond and Oatley, was restored in the 21st century into an aesthetic park. Now it stands as a pristine green ground with wide boardwalks and stunning sunken gardens. Paddington Reservoir Gardens won the Australian Award for Urban Design in 2009.

Nearest stadium: Sydney Cricket Ground

Australian Sports Museum, Melbourne
The prominent museum exhibits the country's largest collection of sports memorabilia. The venue is interactive to give visitors an engaging experience. It features a hall of fame, challenges and even 3D holograms of sports legends.

Nearest stadium: Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Bell Tower, Perth
The iconic tower stands tall with a set of 18 bells that ring and an observation deck that offers fantastic views of the city. The area also has a section for love locks, a popular practice where visitors inscribe their initials on padlocks and place them on a rail to symbolise togetherness and eternal love. Visitors can also take a stroll across the Elizabeth Quay Bridge.

Nearest stadium: WACA Ground

Brisbane whale watching
Australia is well-known for its wonderful variety of fauna and flora, but if you're truly in the mood to get closer to nature and view something incredible, then head over to Redcliffe Parade for a chance to spot some Humpback whales. The dedicated cruise ships sail between July and November daily to give visitors a mind-blowing experience as they get up close and personal with the majestic mammals.

Nearest stadium: Brisbane Cricket Ground better known as The Gabba

ENGLAND
It might be small, but England packs a lot of scenery into its pint-sized shores: green fields and rumpled hills, chalk cliffs and breezy plains, ancient woods and moody moorland. There are 10 national parks, 34 Areas of Outstanding National Beauty and miles of craggy, beach-fringed coastline - 2795 miles, in fact, making England's coast one of Europe's longest. But it has one more feather to its cap. Cricket is claimed to have been invented in England. No trip to the country in complete without a trip to the famous sporting grounds.

London - the hot bed of English cricketing history
Nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of city life (as it has done since 1814) lies Lord's Cricket Ground, otherwise known as the 'The Home of Cricket.' Visitors can experience a guided behind the scenes tour at one of the world's most historic sporting grounds, including a visit to perhaps the most iconic and most recognised cricket pavilion in the world. Just over five miles away and back over the Thames, you will find The Kia Oval, or just The Oval as it's more commonly known.

Yorkshire - the most passionate cricketing county
Established over 150 years ago, the history, tradition and passion of Yorkshire cricket is renowned throughout the world. Darren Cough, Geoffrey Boycott, Leonard Hutton, and Tim Bresnan, are just a few world famous cricketing names to have come from this proud county!

Brighton - 'London by the sea'
If your perfect cricket tour is a mixture of culture, the city, and beach life then look no further than Brighton! Brighton sits on the Sussex coastline, a passionate cricketing county in its own right - a short trip to Eaton Road (Sussex CCC HQ) in Hove reveals all. Sussex CCC was the first First-Class County formed in 1839, and supports an impressive trophy cabinet that spans over the past forty years, including County Championship success as well as Pro40 and Twenty20 titles.