Test cricket arrives in the north-east

The Test Match Special team give their views on the ground - and their rather salubrious commentary box.

Jonathan Agnew

The Riverside thoroughly deserves its elevation in status and it really is an exciting moment.

The club has worked extremely hard since gaining first class status in 1992 and everyone associated with Durham cricket has dreamt about Tests coming to the north-east for a very long time.

Now that it is here, in a modern, purpose built arena, that dream has been realised.

Agnew's verdict: The first day

And the easy, relaxed and friendly manner in which everything has passed off confirms that the Riverside is here to stay.

The beauty of the venue is that there must have been a fleeting temptation to build some sort of concrete bowl with floodlights, but it's a low-lying ground which allows the trees, the hills and the castle all around to be seen.

What's more is that it is comfortably the most remarkable commentary box I've ever seen.

It's the size of your average sitting-room with a thick blue shag-pile carpet and sofas - absolutely terrific.

In fact it's far too grand to be called a commentary box, it should be re-christened a commentary lounge.

Mike Selvey

I found it rejuvenating coming to Durham.

When I was going through all the pre-Test journalistic things that you have to do, it was like going to a match overseas and very nice to do it in unfamiliar surroundings.

Now that the cricket's on it has all fallen into place - a fantastic ground and a belting pitch, all in all a wonderful view.

They staged it superbly, there was a real buzz when the place was full and they deserve to stage future Test matches.

Vic Marks

It's a long haul from Exeter, but well worth it.

The first day belonged to Alec Stewart, Anthony McGrath, but most of all Durham County Cricket Club.

The wicket may not be the most exciting - it lacks a bit of pace - but it's going to give us a good game of cricket and a long game of cricket.

Feature: Test cricket arrives in north east

Everyone has been incredibly welcoming from the very start.

Selvs gave me a lift and we were not only ushered through the gates with a smile, we were walked down to his parking space - that doesn't happen at Lord's, or even Headingley!

And they've produced a fantastic commentary box which is in fact more of a commentary room.

Everything has gone extremely well and they've had a fabulous start.

The Riverside will be a Test venue for years to come.

Christopher Martin-Jenkins

The Riverside truly is a lovely Test ground.

So often the beauty of a cricket ground depends on plenty of trees and there are an abundance around here.

There's also a great atmosphere and a decent sized crowd, although maybe the turn out's a bit disappointing.

As for the box, well it's wonderful.

Simon Mann

When you sit on the sofa in the commentary box you can't see the cricket!

Maybe they could get someone in to sort that out and produce a platform for it.