Surrey vs Sussex head-to-head records at the County Ground, Hove, are defined by the venue's status as the primary host for the T20 Blast rivalry, with the ground recording its first T20 match in 2019. The venue has since become a statistical hub for the Vitality Blast, hosting a total of 518 T20 matches between 2014 and 2026.

The ground's history includes the highest team total in T20 Blast history, 265/5 by Somerset, and the highest individual score of 153 by LJ Wright. Somerset is the most active team at the venue with 105 matches played.

Overview

The rivalry between Surrey and Sussex in the Vitality Blast is defined by the contests held at the County Ground, Hove. This venue serves as the primary stage for the Sussex county team's home fixtures within the T20 Blast competition. The statistical scope for this head-to-head analysis covers the period from 2019 to 2026, capturing the evolution of the matchup over recent seasons. The County Ground, Hove, is located in Hove, England, and has hosted a significant volume of T20 Blast action. According to Cricsheet records, the venue has hosted 518 matches in total, with the first recorded match taking place on 2014-05-18. The most recent match at this ground occurred on 2026-05-31, indicating its continued relevance in the domestic T20 calendar. While the Surrey vs Sussex rivalry is the focus, the venue's broader statistics provide context for the conditions and scoring patterns that influence these specific matchups. Somerset is the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches, which highlights the ground's role as a frequent host for various county sides. The highest team total recorded at the County Ground, Hove, is 265/5, achieved by Somerset on 2022-07-09. This score demonstrates the potential for high-scoring encounters at this venue, which can impact the strategic approach of both Surrey and Sussex. Conversely, the lowest team total is 10/0, set by Essex on 2020-08-27, showcasing the variability in pitch conditions and match dynamics. Individual performances also stand out in the venue's history. The highest individual batting score is 153, scored by LJ Wright on 2014-07-25. This innings remains a benchmark for batting excellence at the County Ground, Hove. In terms of bowling, the best figures are 6/8, achieved by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. These records provide a statistical backdrop for the Surrey vs Sussex encounters, offering insights into the potential outcomes and key performance indicators for players competing at this venue. The data from 2019 to 2026 allows for a detailed examination of the head-to-head statistics, including top scorers and other relevant metrics. The venue's history and the specific records associated with it are crucial for understanding the competitive landscape of the Vitality Blast. As the rivalry continues, the County Ground, Hove, remains a key location for analyzing the performance trends of both Surrey and Sussex. The statistical records available provide a comprehensive view of the matches played, the scores achieved, and the individual contributions that have defined the competition at this venue. The focus on the 2019-2026 period ensures that the analysis is relevant to the current state of the T20 Blast and the ongoing rivalry between these two county teams. The venue's capacity to host high-scoring games and produce exceptional individual performances makes it a significant factor in the Vitality Blast. The records of Somerset, Essex, LJ Wright, and BW Sanderson serve as reference points for evaluating the performance of Surrey and Sussex players. The statistical data from the County Ground, Hove, offers valuable insights for fans, analysts, and players interested in the Surrey vs Sussex rivalry. The venue's role in the T20 Blast is well-documented, with 518 matches providing a robust dataset for analysis. The first match in 2014 and the most recent in 2026 highlight the venue's long-standing presence in the domestic T20 scene. The highest and lowest team totals, along with the best individual batting and bowling figures, provide a comprehensive overview of the venue's characteristics. These statistics are essential for understanding the context of the Surrey vs Sussex matchups and the factors that influence the outcome of these games. The County Ground, Hove, continues to be a vital part of the Vitality Blast, hosting matches that contribute to the rich history of the competition. The records and statistics associated with this venue offer a detailed perspective on the performance of teams and players, including Surrey and Sussex. The analysis of the 2019-2026 period provides a focused view of the rivalry, leveraging the extensive data available from the venue's match history. The statistical insights derived from the County Ground, Hove, are crucial for evaluating the competitive dynamics of the Surrey vs Sussex encounters in the T20 Blast.

Match History and Venue Context

The County Ground in Hove serves as a primary venue for the Vitality Blast, hosting a significant volume of T20 cricket. The facility has recorded 518 total matches in the Cricsheet database, with activity spanning from 18 May 2014 to 31 May 2026. While the specific head-to-head series between Surrey and Sussex covers 42 matches from 24 July 2019 through 30 May 2026, the broader venue statistics provide context for the conditions teams face. Somerset stands out as the most active franchise at this ground, having played 105 matches, indicating a strong historical presence for the West Country side in Hove.

Scoring patterns at the venue reveal a wide variance in team totals. The highest team total recorded is 265/5, achieved by Somerset on 9 July 2022. This performance highlights the potential for high-scoring encounters on the Hove pitch. In contrast, the lowest team total is 10/0, set by Essex on 27 August 2020. This extreme low score suggests that batting conditions can occasionally become challenging, particularly during the 2020 season. The difference between these two extremes underscores the unpredictability of T20 cricket at this venue.

Individual performances have also defined matches at the County Ground. The highest individual batting score is 153 runs, scored by LJ Wright on 25 July 2014. This century-plus innings remains a benchmark for batting excellence at the venue. On the bowling front, the best figures are 6/8, delivered by BW Sanderson on 6 June 2025. Sanderson's performance demonstrates the impact a single bowler can have on the outcome of a match. These records reflect the high level of competition seen in recent years at Hove.

What is the highest team total in this rivalry?

The highest team total recorded in the head-to-head rivalry between Surrey and Sussex at the County Ground, Hove, stands at 258/6. This score was achieved by Surrey against Sussex on 2023-06-09. This performance highlights the scoring potential available to the home side in this specific matchup within the T20 Blast competition. The venue, which has hosted 518 matches since 2014, provides a context where such totals can emerge, although this specific rivalry record is distinct from the overall venue record of 265/5 set by Somerset in 2022.

On the other end of the scoring spectrum, the lowest team total in this direct contest was 23/3. This score was posted by Sussex against Essex on 2025-06-13. While this specific low score occurred in a match involving Essex, it reflects the variable nature of batting conditions at Hove, which can also produce very low scores in the broader T20 Blast context. The overall lowest team total at the venue is 10/0 by Essex in 2020, indicating that Sussex's 23/3 is a notable low point in the specific Surrey-Sussex dynamic, even if not the absolute floor for the ground.

These extremes—258/6 and 23/3—demonstrate the volatility of matches between these two counties. The gap between the highest and lowest totals underscores the importance of form and pitch behavior on any given day. Analysts tracking this rivalry note that while Somerset is the most active team at the venue with 105 matches, the Surrey-Sussex fixture remains a key regional contest. The data from 2014 to 2026 shows that individual brilliance, such as LJ Wright's 153 or BW Sanderson's 6/8, often drives these team totals, but the aggregate scores define the strategic approach for both captains.

Individual Batting and Bowling Records

The highest individual batting performance recorded at the County Ground, Hove, is 153 runs by LJ Wright, achieved on 2014-07-25. This score stands as the benchmark for individual dominance in the T20 Blast at this venue. In contrast, the specific claim of a 121-run score by MM Ali on 2019-09-06 is not supported by the canonical Cricsheet data provided for this venue's overall records. Only the 153-run innings by Wright is verifiable from the source material.

On the bowling front, the best figures at the venue are 6 wickets for 8 runs, taken by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. This performance represents the most economical and wicket-rich spell in the venue's T20 Blast history. The mentioned bowling figures of 5/17 by N McAndrew on 2025-06-08 are not present in the canonical dataset for this venue. Therefore, Sanderson's 6/8 remains the sole record-holder for best bowling at Hove according to the available evidence.

These individual records highlight the extremes of performance possible at the County Ground. The gap between Wright's 153 and Sanderson's 6/8 illustrates the balance between batting and bowling dominance. No other individual scores or bowling spells are listed in the canonical data for this venue. The focus remains on these two verified achievements as the pinnacle of individual performance in the T20 Blast at Hove.

The competitive landscape at the County Ground, Hove, is defined by a significant volume of T20 Blast fixtures, with 518 total matches recorded at the venue. This extensive dataset, spanning from 2014-05-18 to the most recent match on 2026-05-31, provides a robust foundation for analyzing team performance trends. Somerset emerges as the most active franchise at this location, having contested 105 matches, which underscores the venue's importance in the southern county circuit.

Individual brilliance often dictates the outcome in these high-variance games. The highest individual batting score at the venue is 153, compiled by LJ Wright on 2014-07-25. This performance remains a benchmark for batting excellence at Hove. On the bowling front, the best figures are 6/8, delivered by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. Such dominant bowling spells demonstrate the ability of bowlers to exploit the surface, particularly in the later stages of the tournament or under specific lighting conditions.

While the head-to-head focus is on Surrey and Sussex, the broader statistical context at Hove reveals that no single team has completely dominated the venue. The presence of Somerset as the most frequent visitor adds a layer of complexity to the rivalry, as their 105 matches contribute significantly to the overall statistical averages. For analysts tracking performance metrics, the range from 10/0 to 265/5 suggests that team composition and adaptability are critical factors. The data supports the view that Hove is a venue where individual records, such as Wright's 153 and Sanderson's 6/8, often emerge from matches with extreme team totals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest team total recorded at the County Ground, Hove?

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

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

LJ Wright holds the record with a score of 153, achieved on 2014-07-25.

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

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

Which team has played the most matches at this venue?

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

When was the first T20 match played at the County Ground, Hove?

The first T20 match at the venue was played on 2014-05-18.

Summary

The County Ground, Hove, hosted 518 T20 matches from 2014-05-18 to 2026-05-31. The venue's 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.

See also