Edgbaston Cricket Ground Birmingham, Pitch Report, Weather, and Records 2025

Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham Overview

Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham is one of England’s most iconic and atmospheric Test venues. Situated in the heart of the Midlands, it has long served as a bastion of English cricket tradition. Established in 1882, Edgbaston is the home ground of Warwickshire County Cricket Club and has hosted some of the most memorable moments in Test history, including the dramatic 2005 Ashes thriller and countless nail-biting finishes.

With a seating capacity of over 25,000, Edgbaston is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the country and is revered for its passionate crowd. The famous Eric Hollies Stand, in particular, creates a carnival-like atmosphere, often giving England a psychological edge. From raucous support to nail-biting tension, Edgbaston consistently delivers high drama in red-ball cricket, making it a favourite among players and fans alike

Upcoming matches at Edgbaston

The Edgbaston Cricket Ground is often considered as nightmare for foreign teams visiting England as it is considered to possess the most noisy, hostile and passionate set of fanbase in the nation. Home to the Warwickshire County, Edgbaston is  gearing up for cricket season as from March to September it is all set to host a flurry of domestic tournaments like The Hundred, County Cricket, Vitality Blast among others while also some big international matches on the calendar. 
In the calendar year of 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham will witness two major international cricket matches take place. The first and the most anticipated one will be the 2nd Test of India’s tour of England. The match will start from 2nd July.

Edgbaston Stadium Pitch Report

The Edgbaston pitch has traditionally been known for its balance between bat and ball. Early in the match, the pitch often provides significant assistance to fast bowlers with swing and seam movement, particularly under typical English cloud cover. The surface offers good carry and bounce, making it an engaging venue for bowlers who hit the deck hard.

However, once the initial shine wears off the ball and batters apply themselves, the wicket generally flattens out. Batsmen who weather the early storm are often rewarded with true bounce and a fast outfield, which can lead to high-scoring innings, especially on Days 2 and 3. Spin plays a minimal role in the early stages but starts to come into effect later in the match as footmarks and dryness begin to aid turn.

Edgbaston Pitch Report: Batting or Bowling?

Statistically, Edgbaston has slightly favoured sides batting first, particularly when conditions are dry and sunny. However, in overcast or humid conditions—which are not uncommon in Birmingham—bowlers come into the game significantly. Teams winning the toss often face a tricky decision, but traditionally, captains prefer to bat first to post a competitive total and apply scoreboard pressure.
The average first innings score at Edgbaston in Tests is around 300, and teams setting targets have historically had better results here. Bowling last can be tricky due to the pitch’s tendency to slow down and offer inconsistent bounce, but it doesn’t deteriorate as dramatically as some other venues. Thus, match outcomes at Edgbaston are highly influenced by weather, toss decisions, and the quality of bowling attacks.

Edgbaston, Birmingham Day-Wise Pitch Behaviour

The Day 1 of Test match here typically favours bowlers, especially seamers. There’s good movement off the pitch and through the air. Batting is challenging in the first session but eases out as the day progresses.Day 2 is arguably the best day for batting. The pitch settles, bounce becomes truer, and run-scoring becomes easier. Day 3 remains good for batting but starts to show signs of wear. Spinners may begin to extract slight turn if conditions are dry. Variable bounce begins to creep in by Day 4. The ball may grip a bit more, bringing spinners and reverse swing into play. On Day 5 the pitch can break up further, leading to uneven bounce and turn. Batting fourth becomes a stern test, especially against disciplined attacks.

Toss and Match Outcome Results (Batting first/chasing)

Here’s a look at the outcome of Test matches at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham based on the decision taken at the toss:

India vs England 2nd Test, Edgbaston Weather Forecast 

The weather in Edgbaston for the second test of the series between India and England looks like it's going to be a classic English weather. With heavy cloud cover expected on Day 1 of the Test match and showers might also come in for Day 2 and Day 3. Day 4 and Day 5 are forecasted to be interrupted with rain. Given the conditions the Test match is very likely to be dominated by bowlers with extremely tough conditions for batters.

Iconic Test Matches Played at Edgbaston, Birmingham

Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in Test cricket. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially when England play, the ground has been a fortress for the hosts and a theatre of dramatic contests. Over the decades, Edgbaston has played host to remarkable performances, incredible fightbacks, and iconic victories that have added to the folklore of the game.

The 2005 Ashes Thriller

The second Test of the 2005 Ashes series at Edgbaston is often regarded as one of the greatest Test matches ever played. England, under Michael Vaughan’s captaincy, scored 407 in the first innings, with Andrew Flintoff contributing with both bat and ball. Australia, chasing 282 in the final innings, came heartbreakingly close. With just two runs needed and one wicket in hand, Steve Harmison bowled Michael Kasprowicz to seal a two-run win for England which was then the narrowest Ashes victory in history. The tension, drama, and electric crowd made it a classic.

Dominant England vs India (2011)

In 2011, England asserted their dominance in the third Test against India at Edgbaston. Alastair Cook produced a marathon innings of 294, his career-best, as England piled on a mammoth 710/7 declared. India were no match as England won by an innings and 242 runs. This was one of England's largest wins in Test history. This victory also helped England rise to the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time.

Ben Stokes’ Boxing Day Heroics (2019 Ashes Test in August)

While Headingley 2019 remains Ben Stokes’ most iconic moment, his all-round show at Edgbaston earlier in the same Ashes series laid the platform. Stokes scored a gritty 50 in the first innings and then returned with crucial wickets. England’s commanding 251-run win in the opening Test of the series set the tone for what became a gripping Ashes summer.

South Africa’s Fightback (1998)

In 1998, South Africa pulled off a famous win at Edgbaston against a strong English side. After trailing by 103 runs in the first innings, South Africa fought back with centuries from Hansie Cronje and Daryll Cullinan. Their bowlers then bundled England out, sealing an inspirational 10-wicket victory, an example of resilience and belief.

Edgbaston Test matches Stats & Records

Here's a look at all the key and important Test match records at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham over the years. 

Team Records at Edgbaston 

Highest and Lowest Totals at Edgbaston, Birmingham 

The Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham over the years has seen some of the most iconic Test matches and is certainly one of the most intimidating grounds for a team to play against England given the passionate fanbase at this ground. The highest total at this ground was 710/7 which was set by England against India in 2011. While the lowest total was infamously set by South Africa when they were bowled out for just 30 a century ago back in 1924. 

Most Successful Teams at Edgbaston 

There comes as no surprise that the home side England are the most successful team at Edgbaston having played 56 matches and winning 30 of them with a winning percentage of 53.57. Australia and West Indies follow up in second and third. 

Most runs by a player at Edgbaston, Birmingham 

Joe Root is the highest run scorer at Edgbaston, Birmingham having scored an impressive 920 runs in just 9 matches with a high score of 142* and an average of 70.76. 

Most Centuries by a player at Edgbaston, Birmingham 

Joe Root, MW Gatting, Marcus Trescothik and Colin Cowdrey are all tied with most centuries at Edgbaston with three each. 

Most wickets by a player at Edgbaston, Birmingham 

James Anderson is the bowler who has taken the most wickets at Edgbaston, Birmingham with 52 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 6/47.