Essex vs Sussex Vitality Blast top scorers at the County Ground, Hove, highlight a venue defined by extreme statistical outliers in the T20 Blast. The ground has hosted 518 matches since 2014, producing records that include the lowest team total in the competition's history and one of the highest individual batting scores.
The venue, located in Hove, England, saw its first T20 match in 2019 according to league records, though Cricsheet data traces match activity back to 2014. Somerset is the most active team at the ground with 105 matches, while the most recent fixture took place on 2026-05-31.
Overview
The County Ground in Hove serves as a primary venue for T20 Blast fixtures, hosting matches between 2019 and 2026. According to Cricsheet data, 42 matches have been recorded at this specific ground during this period. Sussex has played the most matches in this dataset context, with 42 appearances. The venue has seen a wide range of team totals, with the highest being 265/5 by Somerset on 2022-07-09. The lowest team total recorded is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27. Individual performances have also been notable, with LJ Wright scoring the highest individual batting score of 153 on 2014-07-25. In terms of bowling, BW Sanderson achieved the best bowling figures of 6/8 on 2025-06-06. Somerset is the most active team at the venue overall, with 105 matches played. The first match at the ground was on 2014-05-18, and the most recent was on 2026-05-31. The venue has hosted 518 matches in total according to Cricsheet records. These statistics highlight the competitive nature of T20 Blast cricket at the County Ground, Hove.
What are the highest and lowest team totals at County Ground, Hove?
The highest team total at County Ground, Hove is 265/5, set by Somerset on 2022-07-09. This score stands as the benchmark for batting performance at the venue, surpassing other notable chases and dominant innings recorded in the T20 Blast. Somerset's 265/5 demonstrates the scoring potential of the Hove pitch, particularly when conditions favor the batsmen. The team's ability to post such a high total reflects the strategic depth and firepower available in the Vitality Blast format.
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest team total at the venue is 10/0, achieved by Essex on 2020-08-27. This score highlights the volatility of T20 cricket, where a team can be bowled out for a mere ten runs or remain unbeaten on the same tally. Essex's 10/0 is a rare occurrence, showcasing the impact of exceptional bowling or unfortunate batting collapses. Such low scores are often the result of tight bowling spells, sharp fielding, or a combination of both, making them memorable moments in the history of the County Ground, Hove.
Who holds the individual batting and bowling records?
Who holds the individual batting and bowling records?
Individual performances at the County Ground, Hove, have produced some of the most dominant displays in the Vitality Blast. The venue has hosted 518 matches since 2014, providing a substantial sample size for statistical outliers. Among the most notable batting achievements is the highest individual score recorded in the Cricsheet data. LJ Wright scored 153 runs for Somerset on 2014-07-25, setting the benchmark for individual batting at this ground. This performance remains the highest individual batting score in the venue's history according to the canonical records.
On the bowling front, the most impressive figures belong to BW Sanderson. He achieved best bowling figures of 6/8 for his team on 2025-06-06. These figures represent the best individual bowling performance at the venue, highlighting the potential for wicket-taking spells on the Hove pitch. The combination of high scores and exceptional bowling returns demonstrates the varied conditions that teams face at this location.
While the canonical records highlight Wright and Sanderson, other significant individual performances have occurred during the head-to-head matchups between Essex and Sussex. MM Ali scored 121 runs for Worcestershire on 2019-09-06, showcasing the batting depth available in the county competition. In more recent times, N McAndrew delivered a strong bowling performance with figures of 5/17 on 2025-06-08. These individual efforts contribute to the competitive nature of the T20 Blast fixtures played at Hove.
Match history and frequency at Hove
The head-to-head contest between Essex and Sussex in the Vitality Blast has been a defining feature of the County Ground, Hove, schedule. Since the inaugural encounter on 2019-07-24, the two counties have met 42 times at this venue. This frequency underscores the strategic importance of the Hove ground for both franchises within the T20 Blast structure. The rivalry spans from the late 2010s through to the 2026 season, with the most recent clash recorded on 2026-05-30.
While the 42-match sample size provides a robust dataset for analyzing team form, it represents a fraction of the venue's overall activity. The County Ground, Hove, has hosted 518 T20 matches in total, beginning with its first recorded game on 2014-05-18. This broader context highlights that Essex and Sussex are among the regular tenants, but not the sole occupants, of the pitch. The venue's long history, extending back to 2014, means that conditions and pitch behavior have evolved significantly before the Essex-Sussex rivalry even began in 2019.
Somerset stands out as the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches at Hove. This dominance in volume suggests that Somerset's performances may have had a disproportionate impact on the venue's statistical profile compared to the 42 matches contested by Essex and Sussex. The high number of Somerset games indicates that the pitch characteristics observed in the Essex-Sussex matchups are part of a larger trend established by frequent visitors.
The timeline of the Essex-Sussex rivalry covers a period of significant change in T20 cricket. Matches have been played across different seasons, allowing for comparisons of how the pitch behaves under varying weather conditions and ball ages. The span from 2019 to 2026 includes multiple Vitality Blast campaigns, providing a longitudinal view of how both teams have adapted to the Hove surface. This extended period of competition offers valuable insights for analysts tracking team performance trends over time.
Statistical analysis of the 42 matches reveals patterns in scoring rates and bowling effectiveness specific to this head-to-head. While the venue's overall records include extremes like the highest team total of 265/5 by Somerset and the lowest of 10/0 by Essex, the Essex-Sussex contests have their own internal dynamics. The frequency of their meetings allows for a more granular look at how each team's batting and bowling units perform against one another, independent of other county teams.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total at County Ground, Hove?
The highest team total is 265/5 by Somerset, achieved on 2022-07-09.
What is the lowest team total at County Ground, Hove?
The lowest team total is 10/0 by Essex, recorded on 2020-08-27.
Who holds the highest individual batting score at Hove?
LJ Wright holds the record with a score of 153, set on 2014-07-25.
Who has the best bowling figures at County Ground, Hove?
BW Sanderson holds the best bowling figures with 6/8, achieved on 2025-06-06.
Which team has played the most matches at County Ground, Hove?
Somerset is the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches.
Summary
County Ground, Hove, has hosted 518 T20 Blast matches between 2014 and 2026. The venue's records are dominated by Somerset, who posted the highest team total of 265/5 and are the most frequent visitors with 105 matches. Individual records include LJ Wright's 153-run innings and BW Sanderson's 6/8 bowling performance. The lowest team total of 10/0 was set by Essex in 2020.