The County Championship — England's First-Class Cricket Competition Explained
The County Championship is England's top domestic first-class cricket competition, dating back to 1890. Learn about its two-division format, the 18 counties, and why it is the world's most prestigious domestic competition.
The County Championship is England's premier domestic first-class cricket competition, officially recognised since 1890. Eighteen first-class counties compete across Division 1 and Division 2, with promotion and relegation between the two divisions (three counties promoted/relegated per season). Matches are played over four days, and the competition runs from April to September, sandwiched around international fixtures. The County Championship is widely regarded alongside the Sheffield Shield as the most competitive domestic cricket format in the world.
History and origins
Cricket has been played at county level in England since the 18th century, but the County Championship as a formally recognised competition dates to 1890. Yorkshire are the most successful county historically, winning the title 33 times. Surrey (21 times) and Middlesex (13 times) are other historically dominant counties. Modern dominance has shifted — Kent, Durham, and Essex have all won recent titles. The two-division format was introduced in 2000 to increase competitive intensity and reduce meaningless matches in the final weeks of the season.
Why it matters for Test cricket
The County Championship is the primary development pathway for England Test players. The ECB and England management consistently emphasise County Championship performances as the key selection criteria — ahead of white-ball competitions, including the Hundred. Four-day county cricket, played in English conditions (seaming, swinging pitches, variable bounce), is considered the best preparation for international Test cricket. Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Joe Root, and virtually every England Test great of the modern era developed through the County Championship system.
The 18 counties
The 18 first-class counties are: Derbyshire, Durham, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Yorkshire. Each county has a home ground and a loyal supporter base, many with centuries of cricket history. Surrey play at The Oval, Lancashire at Old Trafford, Warwickshire at Edgbaston, and Yorkshire at Headingley — all Test match venues.
Frequently asked questions
How does the County Championship work?
The County Championship is played between 18 English counties across two divisions of 9 teams each, with three up and three down promotion/relegation. Matches are four-day fixtures, with teams earning 16 points for a win, 5 for a draw, and bonus batting/bowling points. The team with the most points at the end of the Division 1 season wins the County Championship title.
Which county has won the County Championship most?
Yorkshire have won the County Championship 33 times — more than any other county. Surrey (21 times) and Middlesex (13 times) are the next most successful historically. In the modern two-division era (post-2000), Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Durham have been among the most successful.
Is the County Championship more important than The Hundred?
For Test cricket purposes, yes — significantly. The ECB and England management regard County Championship four-day performances as the primary development pathway and selection barometer for Test cricket. The Hundred (a 100-ball competition) is primarily a commercial vehicle for growing cricket's audience. Most England Test players prioritise County Championship availability when scheduling.