County Cricket Explained — England's Domestic Structure & Divisions
County cricket is England and Wales's first-class domestic cricket system. Learn the County Championship divisions, T20 Blast, One-Day Cup, The Hundred, how counties promote and relegate, and why county cricket feeds international cricket.
County cricket is the backbone of professional cricket in England and Wales. Eighteen county teams compete across multiple formats throughout the English summer (April–September). It is one of the oldest domestic cricket structures in the world — the County Championship was formalized in 1890 — and serves as the primary pathway for players into the England national team.
The 18 first-class 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 its own ground, playing staff and history going back 100+ years.
County Championship (first-class cricket)
The County Championship is divided into two divisions: Division One (10 counties) and Division Two (8 counties). Matches are four-day first-class games played under broadly similar rules to Test cricket (except matches can also be drawn). Points are awarded for wins (16 points), bonus batting points (scored in first 110 overs), and bowling points. The bottom three teams from Division One are relegated; the top three from Division Two are promoted.
Domestic limited-overs competitions
| Competition | Format | Teams | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitality Blast (T20) | T20 | 18 counties | Group stage + Finals Day at Edgbaston |
| Metro Bank One-Day Cup | 50-over ODI | 18 counties | Players rest during The Hundred |
| The Hundred | 100-ball | 8 city franchises | Separate from county system; launched 2021 |
| County Championship | 4-day first-class | 18 counties in Div 1/2 | Oldest title |
Why county cricket matters
County cricket is the primary development pathway for England players. Nearly every England international has spent years in county cricket honing their skills before being selected. Overseas players also participate in county cricket to improve their game — many Indian, Australian and South African internationals have had county stints. The County Championship is also the only domestic competition in England that can give domestic players the extended multi-day batting and bowling experience that Tests require.
Frequently asked questions
How many counties are in English cricket?
There are 18 first-class counties in England and Wales: 10 play in Division One of the County Championship and 8 in Division Two. Promotion and relegation between the divisions happens at the end of each season based on points.
What is The Hundred in cricket?
The Hundred is a 100-ball-per-side format launched in 2021 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). It has 8 city-based franchises (different from the 18 counties) and is aimed at attracting new fans with shorter games and prime-time broadcast slots. Both men's and women's competitions are staged simultaneously.
How does someone become an England cricket player through county cricket?
Players are contracted to counties and play in the County Championship, T20 Blast, and One-Day Cup. England selectors watch all county games and assess form, technique, and character. Outstanding county performers are called up to England Lions (the second team) before international selection. Most England players have played 5+ seasons of county cricket before their first Test cap.