The County Championship: England's First-Class Cricket Competition
The County Championship is England's oldest domestic cricket competition. Learn how it works, its role in producing Test players, the divisional structure, and which counties have won most.
The County Championship is England and Wales's premier domestic cricket competition — a four-day, first-class competition between 18 county teams. It is the oldest surviving cricket league in the world and the traditional pathway to England Test selection.
Structure
The 18 counties are divided into two divisions: Division One (10 teams) and Division Two (8 teams). Teams play 14 four-day matches during the season (April–September). The bottom teams in Division One are relegated; the top teams in Division Two are promoted. The team finishing first in Division One is the County Champion.
Points system
| Result | Points awarded |
|---|---|
| Win | 16 points |
| Draw | 8 points |
| Loss | 0 points |
| Bonus batting points | Up to 5 (first 110 overs) |
| Bonus bowling points | Up to 3 (first 110 overs of opposing innings) |
Most successful counties
| County | Championships |
|---|---|
| Yorkshire | 33 |
| Surrey | 21 |
| Middlesex | 13 |
| Lancashire | 9 |
| Kent | 7 |
| Warwickshire | 9 |
Role in Test cricket
The County Championship has traditionally been the primary development ground for England Test players. Playing 14 four-day matches per season in variable English conditions develops technique, especially against swing and seam. England coaches have historically insisted on county form before Test selection.
Challenges and T20 competition
The County Championship competes for attention with the Vitality Blast (T20 county cricket) and The Hundred. Attendances at county cricket are low — often just hundreds of spectators at four-day matches. But ECB maintains financial commitment to the Championship as the Test pipeline. The fixture schedule is carefully managed to avoid clashing with the most popular T20 matches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the County Championship in cricket?
The County Championship is England's premier domestic four-day cricket competition between 18 county teams. It is the world's oldest surviving cricket league.
Which county has won the most County Championships?
Yorkshire have won the County Championship 33 times — more than any other county.
How does a team win the County Championship?
The team finishing first in Division One of the County Championship after 14 four-day matches wins the title. Points are awarded for wins, draws, and batting/bowling bonuses.