Headingley Cricket Ground: Home of Yorkshire Cricket
The history of Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds — host of famous Ashes Tests, site of Botham's Ashes 1981, and the traditional northern fortress of English cricket.
Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club — England's most title-winning county. It has hosted Test cricket since 1899 and has been the venue for some of cricket's most dramatic moments.
Botham's Ashes 1981
The third Test of the 1981 Ashes series at Headingley is one of cricket's most famous matches. England, following on after being made to follow on, were at 135 for 7 in their second innings — still well behind. Ian Botham then struck 149 not out in an astonishing innings of counter-attacking batting. Bob Willis then took 8/43 as England bowled Australia out for 111 to win by 18 runs. Australia had been 500-to-1 favourites with bookmakers at one point during the match. The game is known simply as 'Botham's Ashes'.
Headingley's Character
Headingley is notorious for lively, seam-friendly conditions — particularly early in the match. The notorious 'ridge' (a historical feature of the pitch that used to cause extreme variable bounce) is less marked now but conditions typically favour fast bowlers on Day 1. The ground has a raucous, passionate atmosphere driven by Yorkshire's cricket-obsessed fanbase.
Recent History
Headingley hosted the decisive 2019 Ashes Test where Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten century to chase down 359 with the last wicket standing — one of the greatest Test innings ever played. This match — widely compared to Botham 1981 — cemented Headingley's reputation as a ground where the impossible happens.
Frequently asked questions
What happened at Headingley in 1981?
The third Ashes Test of 1981 at Headingley is one of cricket's greatest upsets. England, following on, were 135 for 7 in their second innings. Ian Botham hit 149 not out and Bob Willis took 8/43 as Australia, chasing 130, were bowled out for 111. England won by 18 runs despite being 500-to-1 underdogs at one point.
Who plays at Headingley cricket ground?
Headingley is the home ground of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, England's most title-winning county. It hosts international Test and ODI matches when England play at Leeds as part of their home schedule.
What is Ben Stokes' famous innings at Headingley?
In the 2019 Ashes, Ben Stokes scored 135 not out chasing 359 — taking England from near-certain defeat to a one-wicket victory with the last pair at the crease. Jack Leach's contribution of 1 not out as Stokes farmed the strike became one of cricket's most iconic supporting roles. The innings is widely cited as one of the greatest Test innings ever played.