Cricket commentator Alan Wilkins feels the creation of the newest cricket ground in the world is Cardiff’s greatest triumph.

Writing for his column on espnstar.com, Wilkins, who was present in Cardiff for the first Ashes Test between England and Australia said: “The creation of the world’s newest Test Cricket venue, which is the one hundredth Test venue where international cricket has been played, is Cardiff’s greatest triumph.

Perceptions have been changed, doubters silenced. And, quite remarkably, as an international cricket venue it has even set new standards.”

However, Wilkins believes there have been some casualties after the state-of-the-art stadium came into being.

“The man behind it all is Glamorgan’s Chairman, Paul Russell, whose climb up the sporting administrator’s ladder from his beginnings in high city finance, has not been without some slippery rungs.

“He has won admirers but not friends. He has created a magnificent new cricket stadium for 16,000 people, but others in decent jobs who were there before it, have lost their positions.

International Test Cricketers, visitors for only five days at a time, enjoy the newest and most modern facilities. Glamorgan County Cricket Club, the home tenants, have been horribly neglected.”

Wilkins opines it is nothing short of a miracle the way in which Sophia Gardens now stands.

“In sporting terms a modern miracle has been achieved by transforming a cricket ground that was originally designed for average club cricketers to play on, but where the professionals of Glamorgan and other visiting county sides soon became accustomed to, in the pursuit of England’s County Championship title,” says Wilkins.

Click here to read Alan Wilkins’ entire column