Somerset vs Sussex Vitality Blast head-to-head records at the County Ground, Hove, highlight a rivalry defined by high-scoring encounters and individual brilliance. The venue has hosted 518 matches since 2014, with Somerset emerging as the most active team with 105 appearances.

The ground is notable for extreme statistical outliers, including Somerset’s highest team total of 265/5 and LJ Wright’s record individual score of 153. These records frame the competitive landscape of T20 Blast cricket in the South East region.

Overview

The Somerset versus Sussex rivalry represents a significant fixture within the T20 Blast competition, with County Ground, Hove serving as a primary venue for their encounters. This head-to-head analysis focuses exclusively on matches contested at this specific ground, covering the period from 2019 to 2026. Sussex has played 44 matches in this context, establishing a substantial sample size for statistical evaluation of their performance against Somerset on home soil.

The venue itself holds extensive historical data within the broader T20 Blast framework. Records indicate that 518 total matches have been played at County Ground, Hove, with the first recorded match taking place on 2014-05-18 and the most recent occurring on 2026-05-31. While the Somerset-Sussex specific rivalry began in 2019, the ground's long-standing usage provides a rich backdrop for analyzing team dynamics and pitch conditions over time.

Statistical extremes recorded at this venue highlight the variability of T20 cricket at Hove. The highest team total is 265/5, achieved by Somerset on 2022-07-09. In contrast, the lowest team total recorded is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27. These figures demonstrate the range of scoring environments available to teams, from dominant batting displays to defensive bowling masterclasses.

Individual performances at County Ground, Hove have also produced notable records. The highest individual batting score is 153, scored by LJ Wright on 2014-07-25. On the bowling front, the best figures are 6/8, achieved by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. These individual milestones contribute to the overall narrative of the venue's statistical profile.

Somerset emerges as the most active team at this venue, having played 105 matches. This high frequency of appearances underscores Somerset's strong connection to County Ground, Hove, and provides a robust dataset for analyzing their head-to-head performance against Sussex. The data covers all matches at this venue from 2019 to 2026, ensuring a comprehensive view of the rivalry within the T20 Blast context.

Match Frequency and Venue Context

County Ground, Hove has hosted 81 T20 Blast matches between 2019-07-24 and 2026-05-30. This specific timeframe captures the modern era of the Somerset versus Sussex rivalry at this venue. The venue itself holds extensive historical data within the broader T20 Blast context, with a total of 518 matches recorded from 2014-05-18 to 2026-05-31. Hove serves as a key fixture for these encounters, providing a consistent stage for competitive T20 action in England. The concentration of matches in the later years reflects the growing prominence of the Vitality Blast format. Statistical extremes recorded at this venue highlight the diverse nature of the contests. The highest team total is 265/5 by Somerset, achieved on 2022-07-09. This score demonstrates the batting potential available at the ground. Conversely, the lowest team total is 10/0 by Essex, recorded on 2020-08-27. Such variations underscore the unpredictable outcomes possible in T20 cricket. Individual performances at County Ground, Hove have also produced notable records. The highest individual batting score is 153 by LJ Wright, set on 2014-07-25. On the bowling front, the best figures are 6/8 by BW Sanderson, delivered on 2025-06-06. These milestones contribute to the venue's statistical profile. Somerset emerges as the most active team at the venue, with 105 matches played. This frequency aligns with their status as a primary participant in the T20 Blast circuit. The venue's role in hosting these high-profile matchups continues to define its importance in English domestic cricket. The data from 2019 to 2026 provides a clear picture of the venue's recent activity. No other team matches Somerset's presence at this location. The consistent scheduling of games ensures that Hove remains a central hub for T20 Blast fans and analysts alike.

What are the highest and lowest team totals in this rivalry?

The highest team total recorded in this rivalry at County Ground, Hove is 265/5, achieved by Somerset against Derbyshire on 2022-07-09. This performance stands as the peak scoring output for any team in the head-to-head encounters held at this venue. The chase or defense of such a total requires significant depth in the batting lineup, with the fifth wicket often proving decisive in maintaining momentum through the final overs.

At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest team total in this specific matchup is 23/3, posted by Sussex against Essex on 25-06-13. This scoreline illustrates the potential for early collapses or aggressive field placements that can stifle the batting side. A total of 23 runs often leaves the chasing team with a manageable target, allowing bowlers to dominate the middle overs with minimal pressure.

These statistical extremes highlight the variability of conditions and team form at County Ground, Hove. The difference between 265/5 and 23/3 demonstrates how pitch behavior, weather, and tactical decisions can drastically alter the flow of a T20 Blast match. Analysts tracking this rivalry note that Somerset's high-scoring performance in 2022 contrasts sharply with Sussex's low total in 2025, reflecting the dynamic nature of county cricket.

Scoring trends in this rivalry show that while high totals are possible, they are not the norm. The majority of matches likely fall within a moderate scoring range, influenced by the venue's historical data spanning from 2014 to 2026. Understanding these extremes helps fantasy cricket players and journalists anticipate potential outcomes based on recent form and venue-specific statistics.

Individual Records: Batting and Bowling

Individual performances at County Ground, Hove have also shaped the Somerset versus Sussex rivalry. The highest individual batting score recorded at this venue is 153 by LJ Wright, achieved on 2014-07-25. This innings stands as the benchmark for batting excellence in T20 Blast matches held at Hove. The best bowling figures at the venue are 6/8 by BW Sanderson, recorded on 2025-06-06. These statistical extremes highlight the variability of conditions and the potential for dominant individual displays.

The statistical landscape at County Ground, Hove is defined by significant variability in scoring patterns. With 518 total matches recorded at the venue, the data spans from the first match on 2014-05-18 to the most recent on 2026-05-31. This extensive dataset provides a robust foundation for analyzing team performance trends over more than a decade of T20 Blast cricket.

Sussex has played 44 matches at this venue, contributing to the rich historical record. The scoring range observed in these contests is wide, illustrating the changing nature of pitch conditions and batting approaches. At the upper end, Somerset posted a highest team total of 265/5 on 2022-07-09. This performance demonstrates the potential for high-scoring encounters when the ball comes off the pitch well.

Conversely, the lowest team total recorded is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27. This extreme low score highlights how quickly a team can be bowled out or how dominant a bowling attack can be on certain days. The contrast between 265/5 and 10/0 underscores the importance of adapting strategies to specific match conditions at Hove.

Individual brilliance also plays a crucial role in shaping these records. LJ Wright scored the highest individual batting score of 153 on 2014-07-25, showcasing the capability for dominant individual performances. In the bowling department, BW Sanderson achieved the best bowling figures of 6/8 on 2025-06-06. These individual milestones add depth to the team statistics and provide key data points for fantasy cricket analysis.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest team total in Somerset vs Sussex matches at Hove?

The highest team total is 265/5, scored by Somerset on 2022-07-09.

Who holds the record for the highest individual score at this venue?

LJ Wright holds the record with 153 runs, scored on 2014-07-25.

What are the best bowling figures recorded at County Ground, Hove?

The best bowling figures are 6/8, achieved by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06.

How many matches have been played at this venue since 2014?

A total of 518 matches have been played at the County Ground, Hove, between 2014 and 2026.

Which team has played the most matches at this venue?

Somerset is the most active team, having played 105 matches at the venue.

Summary

The Somerset vs Sussex Vitality Blast rivalry at County Ground, Hove, is characterized by 518 matches played between 2014 and 2026. Key records include Somerset’s 265/5 team total, LJ Wright’s 153-run innings, and BW Sanderson’s 6/8 bowling performance. Somerset remains the most frequent participant with 105 matches.

See also

References

  1. Cricsheet (CC0 ball-by-ball data)
  2. ESPNcricinfo Statsguru
  3. T20 Blast Official Website