The County Ground History, Pitch Report and Records

The County Ground, Northampton Overview

The County Ground, Northampton is one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in England. Established in 1885, the ground hosted its first international match in 1937. It was a test match between Australia Women and England Women from 12 to 15 June. They have also hosted two ODIs in the 1999 ODI World Cup. It is the home ground of the Northampton County team. Apart from cricket, the ground has also been used for Football. The Northampton Town F.C. has played their home games at the County Ground, Northampton for 97 years. They played here from 1897 to 1994.

The County Ground, Northampton Pitch Report

The pitch at the County Cricket Ground, Northampton generally favors the batters more. It has good bounce and pace which allows the strokeplay for the batters. Northampton is a high-scoring ground with 170-175 being the par totals in T20 cricket. There might be some helps for the pacers early on, but as the game progresses, spin comes into play. All-and-all, it’s a pitch where the batters would want to play.

Toss and Match Outcome Results (Men’s ODIs)

As of now, the County Ground, Northampton has hosted only two Men’s international ODIs. Both games happened in the ICC ODI WC 1999. The first ODI happened between Sri Lanka (SL) and South Africa (SA). SL won the toss and decided to field first. The 2nd ODI was played between Pakistan (PAK) and Bangladesh (BAN). Bangladesh has also chosen to field first.

In both cases, the teams that batted first won the game. SA and BAN won the game on those occasions. The County Ground, Northampton, has not hosted an international men’s test and T20I game.

Toss and Match Outcome Results (Women’s Test)

The venue has hosted just one test, between England Women and Australia Women. Australia Women batted first and scored 300 in the first inning. They took a lead of 96 runs after bowling England Women out for 204. In the second inning, they were bundled out for just 104 and gave England a target of 199. In reply, England Women fell 32 runs short of Australia’s target.

Toss and Match Results (Women’s T20Is)

As of today, the ground has hosted a total of 8 women T20Is. All 8 games have been won by the team batting first.

Toss and Match Results Outcome (Women’s ODIs)

The ground has hosted 8 women ODIs as of now. Four games were won by the team batted first. Three games were won by the team that batted second. One game ended with no result.

The County Ground, Northampton Average Totals (Overall)

Average Totals in ODIs (Men’s and Women)

As of today, the County Ground, Northampton has hosted 8 ODIs (including Men and Women). The first-inning average total is 193, while the second-inning average total is 156.

Average Totals in T20Is (Overall)

The average first-inning total in T20Is at Northampton is 140. It goes down to 88 in the second inning.

The County Ground, Northampton Highest and Lowest Totals

Highest and Lowest Total in ODIs (Overall)

The highest total in ODIs is 227/9, by Australia Women against England Women. Australia won that game by 118 runs. The lowest total at this ground in ODIs is 109, by England Women against Australia Women.

Highest and Lowest Total in T20Is (Overall)

The highest total at Northampton in T20Is is 180, set by England Women against West Indies Women. Pakistan Women was bundled out for just 79 in a T20I game against England Women in May 2024.

The County Ground, Northampton Highest Total Chased and Lowest Total Defended

Highest Total Chased and Lowest Total Defended in ODIs

England Women has chased down a target of 221 against New Zealand Women in an ODI game at the County Ground. They scored 223/4 in 48.4 overs. As far as defending the lowest total, Bangladesh has defended a target of 224 against Pakistan in the ICC ODI WC 1999. They bowled out Pakistan for just 161 to win the game by 62 runs.

Highest Total Chased and Lowest Total Defended in T20Is

As of now, no team has won a T20I game at the County Ground, Northampton while chasing. The lowest total defended on this ground in T20Is is 104 by England Women against West Indies Women. They have bowled out WI W for 93 and won the match by 10 runs.

Iconic Matches Played at the County Ground, Northampton

1. South Africa vs Sri Lanka (May 19, 1999)

The venue has hosted their first ever men’s ODI on May 19, 1999. It was an ODI WC match which South Africa won by 89 runs. They have only managed to score 199 in the first inning. But, the bowlers did the job and the whole team effort helped SA to win the game.

2. Pakistan vs Bangladesh (May 31, 1999)

The venue hosted its last men’s ODI match on May 31, 1999. It was also an ODI WC match which Bangladesh won by 62 runs. After scoring just 223 in the first inning, the Tigers bowled out Pakistan for just 161.

3. England Women vs Pakistan Women (May 17, 2024)

It was a T20I game between ENG W and PAK W. The ENG W defended the lowest total at this ground. They have only managed to score 103 in the first inning. But the superb effort from the bowlers helped the team to win the game by 10 runs.

4. England Women vs Australia Women (June 12-15, 1937)

The County Ground, Northampton hosted their first ever test match from June 12 to 15 in 1937. AUS W scored 300 in the first inning and took a lead of 96 runs. ENG W fought back and bowled AUS out for just 102. But, the target of 199 was enough for AUS W to clinch the victory. They won the match by 32 runs.

5. England Women vs West Indies Women (June 21, 2019)

England Women registered the highest total in T20Is at this venue in 2019. With the help of Wyatt’s 81, ENG W has scored 180 in the first inning. WI W has only managed to score 138 in the 2nd inning and lost the game by 42 runs.

Most Runs at The County Ground, Northampton (Men’s)

Lance Klusener has scored the most runs (52) in men’s internationals at Northampton. The ground has only hosted two men’s internationals (both ODIs).

Most Wickets at The County Ground, Northampton (Men’s)

Saqlain Mushtaq has the most wickets (5) at this venue. Lance Klusener is the 2nd in this list with 3 wickets.