County Ground, Derby has hosted 518 T20 Blast matches since 2014, with Somerset emerging as the most active franchise with 105 appearances.
The venue holds the record for the highest team total in the competition, set by Somerset with 265/5 in 2022, and features the best individual bowling figures recorded by BW Sanderson.
Overview
The County Ground in Derby serves as the primary home venue for Derbyshire County Cricket Club in the Vitality Blast, the domestic T20 competition in England. The stadium has hosted 518 matches in the tournament since the first recorded game on 18 May 2014, with the most recent fixture taking place on 31 May 2026. Derbyshire utilizes the ground as its main base for league play, establishing it as a central hub for county T20 cricket. The venue has seen significant action from various teams, with Somerset emerging as the most active participant, having played 105 matches at the location. This high volume of games contributes to the ground's status as a key fixture in the T20 Blast calendar, providing a consistent stage for competitive matches across multiple seasons.
What are the highest and lowest team totals at County Ground, Derby?
Team scoring records at the County Ground, Derby, are defined by the Cricsheet dataset covering 518 matches from 2014 to 2026. The highest team total recorded at this venue is 265/5, achieved by Somerset on 2022-07-09. This performance stands as the benchmark for batting dominance in the T20 Blast at Derby.
On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest team total is 10/0 by Essex, recorded on 2020-08-27. This score reflects a significant collapse or early conclusion in the match dynamics. These extremes highlight the variability of pitch conditions and team performances over the years.
Somerset is the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches. Their frequent presence contributes significantly to the statistical profile of the ground. The first match at the venue was on 2014-05-18, and the most recent was on 2026-05-31, spanning over a decade of T20 Blast action.
Individual batting and bowling records
Individual batting and bowling records
The County Ground, Derby, has hosted 518 T20 Blast matches between 2014 and 2026, producing several standout individual performances. The highest individual batting score at the venue is 153 runs, achieved by LJ Wright on 2014-07-25. This innings remains the benchmark for batting excellence at the ground, surpassing other notable scores in the venue's history.
On the bowling front, the best figures recorded at the County Ground are 6/8, bowled by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. This performance highlights the potential for dominant spells on the Derby pitch, particularly when conditions favor the bowlers. Sanderson's figures stand out as the most economical and wicket-taking performance in the venue's T20 Blast history.
Other significant individual achievements include a score of 110 runs by TA Wood on 2023-06-30 and bowling figures of 5/39 by JT Ball on 2022-06-03. These performances contribute to the rich tapestry of individual records at the County Ground, showcasing the versatility of players who have excelled in both batting and bowling disciplines.
The venue's reputation for producing high-scoring games is further evidenced by the highest team total of 265/5 by Somerset on 2022-07-09. Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27, illustrating the varied conditions that players face at the County Ground. Somerset is the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches, which underscores the ground's significance in the T20 Blast calendar.
Match history and hosting frequency
The County Ground in Derby has hosted 518 T20 matches according to Cricsheet records, with activity spanning from 2014-05-18 to 2026-05-31. Within the T20 Blast competition specifically, the venue has seen 27 matches played between 2021-06-13 and 2026-05-29. Derbyshire County Cricket Club has played the most matches at this venue in the T20 Blast, leveraging its status as the home ground since 1871.
Somerset is the most active team at the venue overall, featuring in 105 matches. This high frequency of visits contributes to the venue's diverse competitive landscape. The ground's long history, dating back to its initial use by South Derbyshire Cricket Club in 1863, provides a rich backdrop for modern T20 action.
The venue's reputation for producing high-scoring games is evident in the team records. The highest team total recorded is 265/5 by Somerset on 2022-07-09. Conversely, the lowest team total is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27. These extremes highlight the variable conditions and competitive intensity at the County Ground.
Individual performances also stand out in the statistical record. The highest individual batting score is 153 by LJ Wright on 2014-07-25. On the bowling front, the best figures recorded are 6/8 by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. These achievements underscore the venue's capacity to produce memorable individual displays.
How does County Ground, Derby compare to other T20 Blast venues?
The statistical profile of County Ground, Derby, reflects a venue where extreme scoring variations define the T20 Blast experience. The ground has hosted 518 matches since its first T20 fixture in 2014, creating a substantial dataset for analyzing team and individual performances. Somerset stands out as the most active franchise at this location, having contested 105 matches, which provides a robust sample size for evaluating their historical dominance on this specific pitch.
Offensive records at this venue highlight the potential for high-scoring encounters. The highest team total recorded is 265/5, achieved by Somerset on 2022-07-09. This performance underscores the batting-friendly conditions that can emerge during the summer months. Individual brilliance is also well-documented, with LJ Wright scoring 153 on 2014-07-25, a standout innings that remains a key benchmark for batters facing Derbyshire's bowling attack.
Bowling figures at the County Ground can be equally dramatic, offering wicket-takers the chance for exceptional returns. The best bowling figures recorded are 6/8 by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. This performance demonstrates that while high scores are possible, the pitch can also offer significant movement or bounce to reward skilled bowlers. On the defensive end, the lowest team total is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27, illustrating the volatility of T20 cricket at this venue where teams can be held to minimal scores under specific conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total at County Ground, Derby?
The highest team total is 265/5 by Somerset, achieved on 2022-07-09.
What is the lowest team total at County Ground, Derby?
The lowest team total is 10/0 by Essex, recorded on 2020-08-27.
Who holds the record for the highest individual batting score at County Ground, Derby?
LJ Wright holds the record with 153 runs, scored on 2014-07-25.
What are the best bowling figures at County Ground, Derby?
BW Sanderson recorded the best bowling figures of 6/8 on 2025-06-06.
Which team has played the most T20 Blast matches at County Ground, Derby?
Somerset is the most active team at the venue with 105 matches.
Summary
County Ground, Derby has hosted 518 T20 Blast matches from 2014 to 2026. Key records include a highest team total of 265/5 by Somerset, a lowest team total of 10/0 by Essex, a highest individual score of 153 by LJ Wright, and best bowling figures of 6/8 by BW Sanderson.