County Cricket — England's First-Class Domestic Competition
A complete guide to county cricket in England — the County Championship, its two divisions, promotion and relegation, and its role as the pathway to Test cricket.
County cricket is the domestic first-class cricket competition in England and Wales, organised around 18 historic county clubs. The County Championship — the premier domestic competition — has been running in various forms since 1890, making it one of the oldest domestic cricket competitions in the world. Performing well in county cricket remains the primary pathway to being selected for the England Test team.
Structure: Two Divisions
The County Championship is divided into two divisions of nine teams each. Division One contains the top counties, playing 14 four-day matches per season. The bottom three sides in Division One are relegated to Division Two at the end of the season, while the top two (or three) sides in Division Two are promoted. This promotion-relegation system creates competitive incentives throughout the season rather than only at the top.
The 18 County Teams
- Traditional counties: Yorkshire, Lancashire, Surrey, Middlesex, Kent, Sussex, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire
- Western counties: Somerset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Worcestershire
- Eastern and Midland counties: Essex, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire
- Northern counties: Durham, plus newer first-class county: Glamorgan (Wales)
Limited-Overs County Competitions
Alongside the Championship, county cricket includes the One-Day Cup (50-overs format) and the T20 Blast, one of the most popular domestic T20 competitions in the world. The T20 Blast attracts significant crowds and has become a major talent pathway, with overseas players bringing quality from around the globe.
Pathway to Test Cricket
For English players, consistent county championship performances remain the clearest route to Test selection. The England selection committee closely monitors county cricket, and players scoring runs or taking wickets in Division One are the strongest candidates for call-up. Many England greats — from WG Grace to Alastair Cook to Stuart Broad — built their Test cases through outstanding county form.
Frequently asked questions
How many teams are in the County Championship?
There are 18 county teams divided into two divisions of nine. Division One and Division Two each contain nine counties, with promotion and relegation between them at the end of each season.
What format is county cricket played in?
The County Championship is played in four-day first-class format — the closest domestic equivalent to Test cricket. Counties also compete in the 50-over One-Day Cup and the 20-over T20 Blast throughout the summer.