County Ground, Hove serves as the home venue for Sussex in the Vitality Blast, hosting T20 Blast matches since 2014. The ground has recorded 518 matches through May 2026, featuring extreme scoring variations and standout individual performances.
Somerset holds the highest team total of 265/5, while Essex posted the lowest score of 10/0. LJ Wright’s 153 and BW Sanderson’s 6/8 remain the individual batting and bowling benchmarks at the venue.
Overview
The County Ground in Hove serves as the primary home venue for Sussex in the Vitality Blast, the premier domestic T20 competition in England. While the ground has hosted a significant volume of T20 cricket, with 518 matches recorded in the Cricsheet database between 2014 and 2026, the specific focus here is on the franchise's performance and records within the Blast format. The venue has been a consistent fixture for the league, with the first match at the ground taking place on 2014-05-18 and the most recent recorded match occurring on 2026-05-31. This extensive history provides a robust dataset for analyzing team and individual performances under T20 conditions.
Among the most notable records at the venue is the highest team total, which stands at 265/5, set by Somerset on 2022-07-09. This score highlights the batting-friendly nature of the pitch during peak summer conditions. In contrast, the lowest team total recorded is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27, demonstrating the potential for dramatic collapses or specific tactical approaches in the format. Somerset is also the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches, which underscores their frequent visits and competitive presence in the region.
What are the highest and lowest team totals at County Ground, Hove?
The highest team total recorded at the County Ground, Hove, stands at 265/5. Somerset achieved this score on 2022-07-09, setting the benchmark for batting performances at the venue. This total surpasses other notable chases and dominant innings in the T20 Blast history at Hove. The 265/5 total reflects the scoring potential of the pitch under specific conditions during that summer.
On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest team total at the venue is 10/0. Essex recorded this score on 2020-08-27. This figure represents the most minimal accumulation of runs in a completed innings at the ground. The 10/0 total highlights the impact of early wickets or dominant bowling spells that can stifle a batting lineup.
These extremes define the range of team performances at the County Ground. The difference between the highest and lowest totals illustrates the variability of match outcomes. Somerset's 265/5 and Essex's 10/0 serve as key statistical markers for analysts reviewing team form and pitch behavior. The venue has hosted 518 matches, providing a substantial sample size for these records.
Who holds the individual batting and bowling records?
The individual batting record at the County Ground, Hove, is held by LJ Wright, who scored 153 runs for Somerset on 2014-07-25. This performance stands as the highest individual batting score in the venue's T20 Blast history, surpassing other notable innings. While the article topic references MM Ali's score of 121 for Worcestershire on 2019-09-06, the canonical Cricsheet data identifies Wright's 153 as the definitive record holder for the venue.
On the bowling front, the best figures recorded at the ground are 6/8, achieved by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06. This performance represents the peak of individual bowling excellence at the venue. The mention of N McAndrew's 5/17 on 2025-06-08 is noted, but Sanderson's 6/8 remains the superior statistical achievement according to the available records. These individual milestones highlight the range of performances possible on the Hove pitch.
The venue has hosted 518 matches since its first T20 Blast game on 2014-05-18, with the most recent match taking place on 2026-05-31. Somerset is the most active team at the venue, having played 105 matches. The highest team total recorded is 265/5 by Somerset on 2022-07-09, while the lowest team total is 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27. These team records provide context for the individual achievements of Wright and Sanderson.
Match frequency and hosting history
Hosting activity at the County Ground, Hove within the T20 Blast competition spans from 2019 to 2026. The venue recorded its first T20 Blast match on 2019-07-24, marking the beginning of its tenure as a regular stop for the county's franchise. By the end of the 2026 season, the ground had hosted 42 matches in this specific format, with the most recent fixture taking place on 2026-05-30. This concentrated period of hosting contrasts with the venue's broader T20 history, which includes 518 total matches dating back to 2014-05-18.
The distribution of matches across the years reflects the evolving schedule of the Vitality Blast. While the venue has seen significant action, the 42-match count for the Blast specifically highlights its role as a key regional hub for Sussex and visiting counties. The data from Cricsheet confirms that the venue's T20 Blast activity is a subset of its larger T20 portfolio, which also includes other domestic and international fixtures. The first match date for the venue's overall T20 record is 2014-05-18, indicating that the ground was utilized for T20 cricket five years before its first recorded Blast encounter.
Analysis of the hosting frequency shows a steady accumulation of games over the seven-year period from 2019 to 2026. The most recent match date in the broader dataset is 2026-05-31, which aligns closely with the 2026-05-30 date for the last Blast match, suggesting the venue remains active at the tail end of the typical English summer season. The venue's capacity to host 518 total matches underscores its importance in the English T20 landscape, even though the Blast-specific count is lower. This distinction is crucial for analysts tracking franchise performance and venue-specific trends within the Vitality Blast structure.
How do these records compare to other T20 Blast venues?
The statistical profile of the County Ground, Hove presents a distinct set of benchmarks within the T20 Blast competition. With 518 matches recorded from 2014 to 2026, the venue offers a substantial dataset for comparison against other county grounds. The highest team total of 265/5, achieved by Somerset on 2022-07-09, stands as a significant milestone in the league's scoring history. This figure provides a reference point for evaluating batting dominance across different pitches in the Vitality Blast.
Conversely, the lowest team total of 10/0 by Essex on 2020-08-27 highlights the volatility inherent in the format. Such extremes in team performance at Hove contrast with venues that may exhibit more consistent scoring patterns. The range between these two totals underscores the varying conditions and match dynamics experienced by teams playing at this location. Analysts tracking team form often consider these outliers when assessing venue-specific strategies.
Individual records at Hove also contribute to its standing among T20 Blast venues. The highest individual batting score of 153 by LJ Wright on 2014-07-25 represents a peak performance that few players have matched at this ground. Similarly, the best bowling figures of 6/8 by BW Sanderson on 2025-06-06 demonstrate the potential for dominant individual displays. These achievements place Hove among the venues where standout individual efforts have significantly influenced match outcomes.
Somerset's status as the most active team at the venue, with 105 matches played, further contextualizes the records. Frequent visits allow for deeper statistical analysis of team performance trends over time. The concentration of matches involving Somerset provides a unique dataset for comparing head-to-head records and venue-specific form. This activity level distinguishes Hove from other grounds where team participation may be more evenly distributed.
When comparing these metrics to other T20 Blast venues, the data from Hove offers valuable insights into the competitive landscape. The combination of high-scoring games, low totals, and notable individual performances creates a comprehensive picture of the venue's character. These records serve as key indicators for teams and analysts evaluating the challenges and opportunities presented by the County Ground, Hove.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total at County Ground, Hove?
Somerset scored 265/5 on 2022-07-09, the highest team total recorded at the venue.
What is the lowest team total at County Ground, Hove?
Essex scored 10/0 on 2020-08-27, the lowest team total recorded at the venue.
Who holds the highest individual batting score at County Ground, Hove?
LJ Wright scored 153 on 2014-07-25, the highest individual batting score at the venue.
Who holds the best bowling figures at County Ground, Hove?
BW Sanderson took 6/8 on 2025-06-06, the best bowling figures at the venue.
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 from 2014-05-18 to 2026-05-31. Somerset holds the highest team total (265/5) and is the most active team (105 matches). Essex holds the lowest team total (10/0). LJ Wright (153) and BW Sanderson (6/8) hold the individual batting and bowling records.
See also
- T20 Blast Records at Uxbridge Cricket Club Ground
- T20 Blast Records at Old Trafford Cricket Ground
- T20 Blast Records at Kennington Oval
- T20 Blast Records at Lord's Cricket Ground
- T20 Blast Records at Grace Road Stadium
- T20 Blast Records at Trent Bridge: Statistics and Matchups