Headingley Cricket Ground — Leeds' Historic Test Venue
Learn about Headingley in Leeds — famous for Botham's Ashes, extraordinary Test turnarounds, and its dual role as a rugby and cricket venue.
Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is one of England's most storied Test match venues. Home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the ground has hosted Test cricket since 1899 and has been the stage for some of the most dramatic turnarounds in Test history. Headingley is unique among England's Test grounds in also sharing its site with a rugby league stadium — the South Stand separates the cricket and rugby facilities.
Botham's Ashes — 1981
The 1981 Ashes third Test at Headingley is the most famous match ever played there and one of the most celebrated in cricket history. England, following on 227 runs behind, were 135/7 when Ian Botham launched a remarkable assault, scoring 149 not out. Bob Willis then bowled devastatingly to dismiss Australia for 111, giving England an 18-run victory from apparent certain defeat. The match gave rise to the phrase 'Botham's Ashes' and is considered one of cricket's most extraordinary reversals.
Other Famous Moments
- Don Bradman's last test innings at Headingley — scored a century in 1948
- England's lowest-ever Test innings total at the ground: 23 (v Australia, 1902)
- Ben Stokes's unbeaten 135 to chase down 359 in the 2019 Ashes Test
- Regular Yorkshire Roses matches and Blast T20 ties
The 2019 Ashes — Another Headingley Miracle
In 2019, Headingley produced another extraordinary match when Ben Stokes hit an unbeaten 135 to guide England to a target of 359 — the highest-ever successful Ashes chase. Stokes and last man Jack Leach (who scored a famous 1 not out from 17 balls) put on 76 for the last wicket to seal a 1-wicket victory that mirrored the drama of 1981.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Headingley famous in cricket?
Headingley is famous primarily for hosting Botham's Ashes in 1981, when England followed on and still won after Ian Botham's 149 not out. The 2019 Ashes produced a similar miracle, with Ben Stokes scoring 135 not out to win by 1 wicket chasing 359.
Who plays at Headingley cricket ground?
Headingley is the home ground of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. It also hosts England home Tests and is shared with the Leeds Rhinos rugby league club, whose stadium occupies an adjacent part of the site.