The Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham serves as the primary venue for the Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast, hosting a total of 121 matches between 2014 and 2026. This venue is notable for high-scoring encounters, including the highest team total in its T20 history.
As the most active team at the ground with 56 matches played, the Birmingham Bears have established a significant head-to-head record against visiting franchises such as Essex. The venue's pitch characteristics have facilitated both explosive batting performances and dominant bowling spells since the first T20 match was held on 19 June 2014.
Overview
The Birmingham Bears and Essex face off in the T20 Blast, with Edgbaston serving as the primary venue for their encounters. This ground has been a significant stage for county T20 cricket, hosting a substantial volume of matches since the league's inception. According to Cricsheet ball-by-ball data, Edgbaston has hosted 121 T20 Blast matches between 2014-06-19 and 2026-05-31. This extensive dataset provides a robust foundation for analyzing team performance and individual records at this venue.
Birmingham Bears stands out as the most active team at Edgbaston within the T20 Blast context, having played 56 matches at the ground. This high frequency of appearances makes the Bears the dominant local force in terms of match volume, offering a deep statistical profile for comparison against visiting sides like Essex. The venue's history spans over a decade, beginning with the first recorded match on 2014-06-19 and continuing through to the most recent fixture on 2026-05-31.
What are the highest and lowest team totals at Edgbaston?
Team batting performances at Edgbaston have produced significant extremes in T20 Blast history. The highest team total recorded at the venue is 242/2 by Warwickshire, achieved against Derbyshire on 2015-07-03. This score remains the benchmark for batting dominance at the ground, reflecting the pitch's capacity to reward aggressive stroke-play under favorable conditions.
In contrast, the lowest team total at Edgbaston is 39/4 by Lancashire, posted against Warwickshire on 2016-06-19. This low score highlights the venue's potential to challenge batsmen, particularly when the ball holds its shape or the pitch offers early movement. The disparity between the highest and lowest totals underscores the variable nature of T20 cricket at this venue.
These records frame the range of team performances over the 121 matches played at Edgbaston since 2014-06-19. The most recent match at the venue took place on 2026-05-31, continuing the long history of T20 Blast action in Birmingham. Analysts and fantasy cricket players often reference these extremes when evaluating team strategies and player selections for upcoming fixtures.
Who holds the individual batting and bowling records?
Who holds the individual batting and bowling records?
Individual performances at Edgbaston have reached exceptional heights, with the highest individual batting score recorded as 158 by BB McCullum. This milestone was achieved on 2015-07-03, coinciding with the venue's highest team total of 242/2 by Warwickshire. The consistency of high-scoring chases and dominant innings defines the batting reputation of this ground within the T20 Blast competition.
On the bowling front, the best bowling figures at this venue are 6/16 by TMJ Smith. This performance took place on 2020-09-02, showcasing the potential for wicket-taking spells even in a format often dominated by the bat. The contrast between McCullum's explosive 158 and Smith's economical 6/16 highlights the diverse skill sets required to succeed at Edgbaston.
These individual records stand out within the broader statistical context of 121 matches played at the venue since the first T20 match in 2014. The most recent match date recorded is 2026-05-31, indicating ongoing activity at this historic ground. While team totals such as Lancashire's lowest score of 39/4 on 2016-06-19 provide context for batting challenges, the individual achievements of McCullum and Smith remain the pinnacle of personal performance metrics at this location.
Birmingham Bears vs Essex: Matchup Context
The head-to-head dynamic between the Birmingham Bears and Essex at Edgbaston is set against a venue that has hosted 121 T20 Blast matches since the first contest on 2014-06-19. The most recent fixture at this ground took place on 2026-05-31, establishing a long-term statistical backdrop for their encounters. Birmingham Bears are the most active team at the venue, having played 56 matches, which provides a significant sample size for analyzing performance trends against visiting sides like Essex.
Team batting performances at Edgbaston have produced significant totals, with the highest team total recorded as 242/2 by Warwickshire on 2015-07-03. This benchmark sets a high bar for any chase or dominant display in the Bears versus Essex matchups. In contrast, the lowest team total at Edgbaston is 39/4 by Lancashire on 2016-06-19, illustrating the potential for batting collapses that can define a close contest. These records frame the range of team performances that have occurred at the venue over the years.
Such milestones highlight the capacity for individual brilliance to shift the momentum in a T20 Blast game. On the bowling front, the best bowling figures are 6/16 by TMJ Smith on 2020-09-02, demonstrating the impact a single bowler can have on the outcome. These individual records stand out within the broader context of the venue's history, providing key reference points for analysts reviewing the Bears and Essex rivalry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total recorded at Edgbaston in T20 Blast matches?
The highest team total at Edgbaston is 242/2, achieved by Warwickshire on 3 July 2015.
Who holds the record for the highest individual score at Edgbaston?
BB McCullum holds the record for the highest individual batting score at Edgbaston with 158 runs, scored on 3 July 2015.
What are the best bowling figures at Edgbaston in T20 Blast history?
Which team has played the most T20 Blast matches at Edgbaston?
The Birmingham Bears are the most active team at the venue, having played 56 matches.
When was the first T20 Blast match played at Edgbaston?
The first T20 match at Edgbaston took place on 19 June 2014.
Summary
Edgbaston has hosted 121 T20 Blast matches since 2014, with the Birmingham Bears appearing in 56 of those games. The venue's statistical extremes include a highest team total of 242/2 by Warwickshire and a lowest team total of 39/4 by Lancashire.
Individual records at the ground are held by BB McCullum, who scored 158 runs in a single innings, and TMJ Smith, who took 6 wickets for 16 runs. The most recent match at the venue was played on 31 May 2026.